Abu dhabi: New research from NYU Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arabian Centre for Climate and Environmental Sciences (Mubadala ACCESS) indicates that unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea were a significant factor in the extreme rainfall experienced across the UAE on 16th April 2024. The study shows how increased atmospheric moisture from warmer ocean temperatures intensified rainfall over regions including Dubai, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, the research demonstrated that as a weather system passed through the area, it harnessed increased atmospheric moisture tied to the elevated sea temperatures, leading to stronger thunderstorms. The study suggests that while large-scale atmospheric dynamics were crucial, the warmer sea surface temperatures played a significant role in determining the intensity and distribution of rainfall.
The researchers utilized numerical modeling and satellite observations to reveal that warmer sea surface temperatures increased atmospheric moisture days before the event, resulting in intense convective storms over the Arabian Gulf. The analysis also indicated that under cooler sea temperatures, some precipitation would likely have occurred over the Zagros Mountains instead of the UAE.
Basit Khan, a researcher at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala ACCESS and lead author, noted the importance of understanding ocean conditions in influencing regional weather systems and rainfall patterns. This understanding is vital for improving weather forecasting and preparedness.
The research was conducted by Basit Khan, Subrota Halder, Zouhair Lachkar, Francesco Paparella, and Olivier Pauluis from NYU Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala ACCESS. Their work underscores the significance of ocean-atmosphere interactions in shaping weather in arid regions.
Professor Olivier Pauluis highlighted the study’s contribution to understanding large-scale environmental processes’ impact on regional weather. The findings emphasize the importance of continued research into regional climate systems and how ocean conditions affect weather variability in the Arabian Gulf.
