Abnormally strong jet stream triggers deluge in Middle East, while north Africa braces for 60-80mph gusts
An unusual weather pattern unleashed severe thunderstorms across parts of the Middle East last week, battering countries including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The Arabian peninsula – typically dominated by arid desert climates – received up to 150mm of rain in just a few days.
The deluge was caused by an abnormally strong jet stream, which helped a deep area of low pressure to develop north of Saudi Arabia. This, in turn, drew moist tropical air from the Indian Ocean and triggered intense storms.
In Oman, hailstones as large as tennis balls fell during Wednesday evening’s storms, alongside torrential rain. Doha, Qatar’s capital, experienced flooding the same day.
Further thunderstorms developed on Thursday evening, with a more organised line crossing the UAE and hitting densely populated areas such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Gusts of up to 80mph, large hail and intense lightning were reported, as heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding.
