The UAE (United Arab Emirates) witnessed record rainfall due to a severe thunderstorm on April 15, causing damage and halting air travel in Dubai.
Meteorologists attribute the rare weather event to a storm system moving through the Arabian Peninsula and Gulf of Oman.
Cloud seeding operations also contributed to the heavy rainfall, as reported by the Associated Press.
The UAE government issued warnings prior to the downpour, advising residents to stay indoors.
CNN reported that the intense rain in Dubai was part of a larger storm system affecting the Arabian Peninsula and Gulf of Oman.
Bloomberg highlighted cloud seeding as a factor in the heavy rainfall.
Experts suggest that rising global temperatures may have intensified the event, as warmer air holds more moisture.
Climate change studies indicate a potential increase in rainfall in desert regions like Dubai.
Associated Press confirmed 19 deaths, including that of an infant, by Wednesday morning.
The impact of the severe thunderstorm underscored the vulnerability of desert cities like Dubai to such events.
Here is a timelapse video capturing the magnitude of the heavy rain and flooding in Dubai for you to watch.
Another video, which you are currently viewing, depicts the terrifying moments as people contend with heavy rain and winds in Dubai.