Record Rainfall and Heatwaves Mark April Weather Extremes in Arabian Peninsula and India

In April 2024, the Arabian Peninsula experienced unprecedented weather conditions, with record rainfall and flooding reported in Dubai and Oman. This extreme weather event was caused by a slow-moving mesoscale convective system that passed over the peninsula, resulting in some areas receiving up to 2.5 times their annual rainfall in just 24 hours.

The heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding and damage, causing significant disruptions. Dubai, a city known for its arid climate, witnessed cars and buses submerged, schools and workplaces closed, and flights halted. At least 20 people lost their lives, with 19 fatalities reported in Oman.

Why this matters: The extreme weather events in the Arabian Peninsula highlight the growing intensity and unpredictability of climate patterns in the region. As these anomalies become more frequent, they pose significant challenges for infrastructure, emergency response, and the overall resilience of affected communities. The potential for further disruptions and loss of life underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the region.

Despite the deluge, some parts of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly the UAE and parts of Saudi Arabia, experienced above-average irradiance, about 5% above normal. However, Yemen, Oman, and other regions saw reduced irradiance due to the persistent heavy rains.

In India, April brought a strong split in irradiance impact. The southern regions experienced sunnier-than-normal conditions, while central areas faced cloudier skies and cooler temperatures due to heavy thunderstorms. These thunderstorms, sometimes severe with hail and gusty winds, helped mitigate the intense heatwaves that hit the country ahead of the monsoon season.

The monsoon season in India is set to start at the end of May, with the India Meteorological Department predicting an early arrival of the southwest monsoon. The monsoon is expected to advance into the south Andaman Sea, parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal, and the Nicobar islands around May 19, ahead of its normal onset date of May 22.

Light-to-moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds is likely over sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands during the next seven days. The IMD has also predicted that monsoon rainfall over the country between June to September is likely to be 'above normal' at 106% of the long period average.

April 2024 has been marked by extreme weather events across the Arabian Peninsula and India, highlighting the variability and intensity of climate patterns in the region. As the monsoon season approaches, authorities and residents remain vigilant, preparing for the potential impacts of further weather anomalies.

Key Takeaways

• Record rainfall and flooding hit Dubai and Oman in April 2024.
• At least 20 people died, with 19 fatalities reported in Oman.
• Extreme weather events highlight growing intensity and unpredictability of climate patterns.
• India's monsoon season is expected to start early, with above-normal rainfall predicted.
• Above-average irradiance was reported in UAE and parts of Saudi Arabia.