From the album: MegaEpix Enormous
http://kingarthur.com/MegaEpix-Enormous/

On April 16, 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced an unprecedented storm that resulted in the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the desert nation. Heavy thunderstorms lashed the UAE, leading to extensive flooding of roads and Dubai’s international airport. The rainfall, which began late Monday, saturated the sands and roadways of Dubai with approximately 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) of rain, according to meteorological data collected at Dubai International Airport. The intensity of the storms intensified on Tuesday, dumping even more rain and hail onto the overwhelmed city.

By the end of Tuesday, Dubai had received more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall within a 24-hour period. This amount far exceeds the average annual rainfall of 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) at Dubai International Airport, which is the world’s busiest airport for international travel and a hub for the long-haul carrier Emirates.

The state-run WAM news agency described the rainfall as “a historic weather event,” surpassing any previous records since the start of data collection in 1949.

The sudden deluge highlighted the vulnerability of Dubai and the UAE to extreme weather events, prompting concerns about climate resilience and urban planning. As one expert on climate resilience and urban environments noted, the unprecedented rainfall underscores the need for the UAE to reassess its approach to infrastructure and emergency preparedness.