UAE's Meteorology Center Refutes Flood and Heavy Rain Rumors Amid El Niño
UAE's National Center of Meteorology denies viral flood and heavy rain claims, urging reliance on official weather updates.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) in the UAE has dismissed circulating social media videos that claim the country will face severe floods and unusual rainfall linked to the El Niño phenomenon. The authority emphasized that weather conditions are currently stable and closely monitored.
In an official statement, the NCM described the viral content as misleading and urged the public to verify information before sharing it. The center highlighted that El Niño primarily affects the Pacific Ocean, with its influence on the UAE being indirect.
Globally, El Niño causes varied weather effects, including drought in some areas and above-average rainfall in others. The UAE is among the regions expected to experience higher-than-average rainfall levels during this period.
Despite this year's El Niño being described as "very strong," the NCM stated it generally indicates beneficial rains. Occasionally, these rains may be heavy if the weather conditions in the country are favorable.
The center assured the public that it continuously monitors regional and global weather patterns. It confirmed that any significant weather events would be communicated in advance through official channels, accompanied by necessary reports and warnings.
The NCM also called on both the public and media to avoid spreading rumors and to rely solely on verified information from authorized sources.
This statement comes amid increasing concerns about the spread of unverified weather warnings on social media, especially during times of heightened climate awareness. Authorities have consistently stressed that official channels remain the most reliable source for weather updates and alerts.
Earlier in the year, an NCM meteorologist noted that El Niño's effects could be felt in the UAE during the autumn months, particularly October and November. The expert explained that while the phenomenon had a stronger impact on East Asia during the summer, its influence on West Asia, including the UAE, would become more apparent later in the year.