Poster Title:The Impact of Synoptic-Scale Forcing on a Rare Severe Rainfall Event Over the UAE: The Case of 15-16 April 2024
Full Name:Noor Alshamsi
Affiliation / Institution:National Center of Meteorology
Abstract:The period from 15 April 2024 to 16 April 2024 was marked by an intense rainfall event over the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study examines the atmospheric conditions at the origin of the large convective storms during this period. We particularly investigate the atmospheric dynamics and large-scale flow leading to the development of a cut-off low-pressure system on 15 April 2024 over the Arabian Peninsula, generating a two-day-long period of intense precipitation over the UAE. We found that the storms were driven by upper air instability, transfer of moisture for several days leading up to the event from the monsoon system into the UAE, and a surface front. Precipitation amounts exceeding 200 mm over 2 days were registered in some parts of the country, leading to flash flooding, disruption of infrastructure, and impacts on the local population. The unusual development of the rainfall event was associated with the displacement of the subtropical jet and the subsequent formation and intensification of a cut-off low-pressure system that traversed the region.