Tropical Storm Shakhti Approaches: UAE Impact?

Tropical Storm Forming in the Arabian Sea: What It Means for UAE Residents

The United Arab Emirates meteorological service, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), confirmed on Friday that a low-pressure system currently in the northeastern part of the Arabian Sea could develop into a tropical storm in the next three days. This phenomenon has been named "Shakhti" by the Oman Meteorological Institute, with its current position determined at 21.8° North latitude and 66.8° East longitude.

The most important point is that UAE territories, including Dubai, are not expected to be directly affected by this natural phenomenon according to current forecasts. The NCM emphasized that it is continuously monitoring the system's movement and development and will issue alerts to affected authorities and the public if necessary.

What Exactly is Happening?

The low-pressure atmospheric system detected over the Arabian Sea at the end of September has gradually developed into a deepening depression. According to the latest satellite data, wind speeds are currently ranging between 65 and 85 km/h, but numerical models predict that this range could soon reach speeds of 100–120 km/h. This speed corresponds to a tropical storm category, which could pose an increased risk, particularly for maritime activities.

The system is moving west-southwest, currently moving away from the UAE coastline. Estimates suggest that the center is currently about 750 kilometers from the coast of Oman, so even nearby countries are not considered to be in direct danger based on its current trajectory.

What Does This Mean for UAE Residents?

UAE meteorological services, including Dubai's authorities, responded quickly to the news and reassured the public: the current position and movement of the storm do not necessitate any urgent measures within the country's territory.

However, this does not mean that attention can be relaxed. The NCM indicated that it maintains 24-hour monitoring and will timely share all relevant information with the public. Such tropical systems often change direction or develop faster than expected, particularly if sea surface temperatures support further strengthening.

What is a Tropical Storm?

A tropical storm is a weather phenomenon that typically develops over warm seas and is characterized by a closed, spiral cloud system, intense rainfall, and strong, stormy winds. Storms are categorized based on their wind speed. The current system has not yet reached hurricane or cyclone category, but forecasts suggest it is close to strengthening into a tropical storm.

In such systems, the greatest risk to coastal countries arises if the storm reaches land directly or is accompanied by significant precipitation, floods, and wind damage. In this case, however, it is unlikely, as its trajectory does not directly affect either UAE or Oman.

Why is Continuous Monitoring Important?

Although current forecasts are promising, the region is known for storms being relatively capable of changing direction quickly. As a consequence of global warming, warmer sea surfaces are forming, providing a favorable environment for such systems to develop faster. Therefore, it is not surprising that similar phenomena appear more frequently in the Arabian Sea and Omani Gulf region throughout the year, especially during the fall months.

Therefore, the NCM and other regional meteorological centers are not only examining direct threats but are also conducting continuous analyses from the perspectives of maritime activities, flight routes, and potential atmospheric disturbances.

What Impact Could This Have on Dubai?

Current data suggests that no direct impact is expected in Dubai as a result of the storm system named Shakhti. However, higher atmospheric humidity, changes in wind direction, and milder currents from the sea could be felt in the coming days. Coastal activities, such as boat excursions or water sports, should keep an eye on official warnings as wave action and wind movement can temporarily intensify in open waters.

Dubai's ports and airports, including Dubai International Airport and the Jebel Ali port, are also in contact with meteorological services, so any unexpected changes will be promptly broadcast to passengers and shippers.

Closing Thoughts

The formation of the tropical storm named Shakhti serves as another reminder that the Arabian Peninsula region is not immune to extreme weather events as a result of climate changes. Although the UAE is currently not affected, awareness and following official sources of information remain of utmost importance. Both residents and visitors to Dubai can rest assured that the authorities are prepared and taking all necessary steps to ensure public safety.

As long as the tropical storm moves westward, UAE remains safe, but attention should not wane – especially in a region where the power of natural elements can quickly alter forecasts.

(The source of the article is a statement from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).)