April 2025 Breaks Heat Records – Cloud Seeding to the Rescue?

April 2025 Breaks Heat Records – Cloud Seeding to the Rescue?

The United Arab Emirates experienced an unusually warm and dry April this year, in fact, it was one of the hottest Aprils of the past decade. Rainfall levels were significantly lower than the previous year, yet the cloud seeding program continues undisturbed whenever possible. The question arises: why is there less rain, and how is the country attempting to mitigate this?

Unusual Heat Attributed to Global Weather Phenomenon

In April 2025, temperatures in the country reached 46.6°C, nearing the record high of 46.9°C from April 2012. The extreme heatwave is caused by an extensive low-pressure system expanding from the Arabian Desert, bringing warm southern winds to the region. This meteorological situation is especially typical towards the end of spring when summer is already making its presence felt.

Meteorologists, however, assert that the desert heat is not solely to blame for this year’s weather extremes. The global climate system also plays a significant role. The current lack of precipitation is partially related to the La Niña phenomenon, which involves the cooling of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This alters wind patterns, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation distribution worldwide, affecting the UAE's weather.

While 2024 was marked by severe weather conditions, 2025 has so far been a relatively quieter year with less precipitation but notably higher temperatures.

Cloud Seeding: Technology to Supplement Natural Rainfall

For years, the UAE has been leading the field of artificial rainfall enhancement. The goal of cloud seeding is to "vaccinate" suitable cloud types to promote precipitation. To achieve this, the country maintains a fleet of four aircraft and a team of 12 pilots on standby 24/7. Deployments are directed by radar-based monitoring that covers the entire country and even neighboring regions.

In 2025, 110 cloud seeding missions have already been conducted, primarily when suitable clouds appeared. For comparison, in 2024 there were a total of 388 such interventions, which was a record and may be approached in the current year if sufficient cloud formation occurs in the summer and winter seasons.

The effectiveness of the technology is supported by previous data: favorable conditions can see rain amounts increase by up to 25%, even in dustier, more turbulent atmospheric conditions, a 15% increase is achievable.

Where and When Does the Most Seeding Occur?

Most clouds suitable for intervention form during the winter months—December through March. During this time, cloud cover is frequent throughout the country, making these periods ideal for the program.

The summer season from June to September primarily presents opportunities in the country's eastern and northern areas: regions such as Fujairah, Massafi, and Al Ain are common targets. Occasionally southern regions like Liwa or Hameem are included, but the main focus is on the country's eastern side.

During the summer months, convective clouds, which are enhanced by the monsoon effect, frequently develop in mountainous areas—particularly in the UAE's eastern regions. These rising air masses often lead to showers, thus both natural and artificial methods can increase precipitation amounts.

What to Expect in the Coming Weeks?

Experts say that extreme high daytime temperatures may continue in the upcoming period, especially in the country's interior regions. Temperatures could reach between 46-47°C before the summer peak officially begins.

Meanwhile, meteorological services expect that from the end of June to late September, convective clouds will regularly form again over the country's eastern mountains, offering new opportunities for cloud seeding operations.

Summary

The UAE's example clearly shows how a desert country adapts to the challenges of climate change. Despite decreasing natural rainfall, the country does not leave weather to chance: it seeks to optimize available precipitation through advanced technology and proactive meteorological strategies. In the face of record-breaking hot Aprils and reduced rainfall, the dedicated cloud seeding program plays a crucial role in maintaining the nation's water security and future climate adaptation.

National Center of Meteorology (NCM) communiqué.