Latest news with #monsoon
Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Chasing clouds: Monsoon memories drive rain-loving Indian expats into UAE desert
SHARJAH (United Arab Emirates), June 20 — Muhammed Sajjad missed his native Kerala's monsoon season so much when he moved from India to the United Arab Emirates a decade ago that he embarked on an unlikely quest — finding rain in the desert. Using satellite imagery, weather data and other high-tech tools, the amateur meteorologist tracks potential rainfall spots across the desert country and, along with other Indians nostalgic for the monsoon, chases the clouds in search of rain. 'When I came to UAE in 2015 it was peak monsoon time' in Kerala, the 35-year-old estate agent told AFP, adding that he had struggled to adjust to the change of climate. 'So I started to search about the rain in the UAE and I came to know that there is rain in the summer,' he said. 'I started to explore the possibility' of chasing it to 'enjoy the rain'. Each week, he forecasts when and where rain might fall and posts a suggested rendezvous to his 130,000 followers on 'UAE Weatherman' on Instagram. He regularly posts footage of his rain expeditions into the desert, hoping to bring together 'all rain lovers who miss rain'. Earlier this month he headed out into the desert from Sharjah on the coast at the head of a convoy of about 100 vehicles. But nothing is certain. The rain 'may happen, it may not happen,' Sajjad said. But when it does, 'it is an amazing moment'. 'Nostalgic' After driving in the desert for hours, the group arrived at the designated spot just as a downpour started. The rain lovers leapt out of their vehicles, their faces beaming as droplets streamed down their cheeks in a rare reminder of home. 'They feel nostalgic,' Sajjad said proudly. Most UAE residents are foreigners, among them some 3.5 million Indians who make up the Gulf country's largest expatriate community. Despite the use of advanced cloud-seeding technology, the UAE has an average yearly rainfall of just 50 to 100 millilitres. Most of it falls during short but intense winter storms. 'While long-term averages remain low, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events has been increasing and is due to global warming,' said Diana Francis, a climate scientist who teaches at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, the country often gets less than five millilitres of rain, she said, usually falling away from the coastal areas where most of the population lives. So rain-seekers must drive deep into the desert interior to have a chance of success. An Indian expatriate, who gave her name only as Anagha, said she was 'excited to see the rain'. 'All of my family and friends are enjoying good rain and good climate and we are living here in the hot sun,' she said. The UAE endured its hottest April on record this year. By contrast, April last year saw the UAE's heaviest rains in 75 years, which saw 259.5 mm of rainfall in a single day. Four people died and the commercial hub of Dubai was paralysed for several days. Scientists of the World Weather Attribution network said the intense rains were 'most likely' exacerbated by global warming. 'We couldn't enjoy it because it was flooded all over UAE,' Anagha said. 'This time we are going to see... rain coming to us in the desert.' — AFP
Times of Oman
8 hours ago
- Times of Oman
From misty mountains to lush valleys: Dhofar's Khareef Season begins Saturday
Muscat: The Khareef (monsoon) 2025 season in Dhofar will officially begin tomorrow, Saturday, June 21, 2025 affecting the coastal wilayats of the governorate—from Dhalkut in the west to Mirbat in the east—due to the onset of seasonal winds and cloud formations flowing in from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The season will continue until September 21. The Khareef is renowned for its cloudy, drizzly weather and moderate temperatures, especially in the elevated mountainous areas, which are often blanketed in mist and light rain. This unique climate transforms Dhofar into a stunning green landscape, making it a top destination for both local and international tourists. Throughout the season, water flow in the governorate's natural springs increases, with many becoming popular attractions, including Razat, Hamran, Jarziz, Sahalnoot, and Tabraq springs. Seasonal waterfalls like Darbat, Athum, Khor, Gogob, and Al-Hoota also flourish, depending on rainfall levels. Dhofar's natural and historical landmarks—including its diverse coastal, agricultural, mountainous, and desert environments—draw significant attention. Its UNESCO-listed sites, such as Al-Baleed and Samharam archaeological parks, the Land of Frankincense Museum, and ancient forts in Rakhyut, Taqah, Mirbat, and Sadah, are popular attractions. The region also boasts dreamy beaches, scenic lagoons, and nature reserves that offer sanctuary to rare wildlife and endangered ecosystems. During the Khareef, Salalah's shopping centres and markets experience high activity, especially in stores selling traditional Omani products such as frankincense, incense, silverware, pottery, Omani sweets, and local cuisine. The Salalah Plain also produces a rich variety of tropical fruits, with coconut (nargil), bananas, papayas, and sugarcane being the most popular. In anticipation of the influx of tourists, both public and private sectors prepare annually to provide convenient services and facilities, especially with several regional airlines announcing direct seasonal flights to Salalah Airport. Notably, Dhofar welcomed over 1.006 million visitors during the 2024 Khareef season—a 9% increase from 2023—with total visitor spending estimated at 120 million Omani rials, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Climate
- Zawya
Oman: Early rains signal start of Dhofar's khareef season
Salalah - As much of the Arabian Peninsula sizzles amidst soaring summer temperatures, the southern Omani governorate of Dhofar is witnessing an entirely different phenomenon: light rains, mist-covered mountains and temperatures in the low 20s — all ahead of the official launch of the Khareef Dhofar Season on Saturday. Since Tuesday evening, several highland areas including the outskirts of Salalah, Qairoon Hiriti and Dhalkout have experienced light drizzle and cooler weather, with thick clouds rolling in across the mountains. Temperatures dropped to 23 °C in Qairoon Hiriti, while coastal areas such as Salalah, Taqah, and Sadah ranged between 28–32 °C, according to the Civil Aviation Authority's latest weather bulletin. The forecast indicates continued chances of scattered rainfall and low clouds across the Dhofar coast and mountains, driven by moderate to active winds and high humidity levels reaching up to 100 per cent in coastal zones. Sea conditions are expected to be rough, especially along southern shores. Unlike the rest of Oman and the GCC region, Dhofar experiences a unique microclimate each summer known as Khareef, caused by monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean. Between late June and early September, the governorate transforms into a lush green landscape with mist, cool temperatures and flowing springs — attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from Oman and abroad. Dhofar Municipality has announced that the 2025 season will officially kick off next week, with a 10–15 per cent expected rise in visitor numbers compared to last year. This year's edition includes upgraded tourism zones, expanded cultural programming and stronger support for Omani small businesses and artisans — aligning with Oman Vision 2040's goals for sustainable tourism and local economic development. With early rains already gracing the mountains, tourism operators, local authorities and service providers are working in full coordination to ensure a safe and seamless experience for all visitors. Key destinations such as Ateen Plain, Al Haffa, Mirbat and Taqah are being prepared with improved infrastructure, public amenities and a rich calendar of events throughout the season.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- Khaleej Times
At least 18 people dead as rains lash west India state
At least 18 people have died since Monday as torrential rains lashed parts of India's western Gujarat, state officials said. Disaster response teams have been deployed to help residents in the south of the state, who are bracing for more heavy monsoon rainfall. "Eighteen people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, while dozens have been rescued across low-lying areas by disaster response teams," the state government said late Tuesday. The worst-hit areas included Palitana and Jesar towns, which on Tuesday registered 867 millimetres (34 inches) of rain over the past 24 hours. State relief commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey said the 18 deaths were the result of storms, lightning strikes, and structural collapses due to rough weather. "The state is fully geared to handle the situation, and inter-departmental coordination is being intensified to ensure swift relief and rescue operations," Pandey said. Those rescued included 18 farm labourers who were trapped in mango orchards in the Gadhada area, and 22 people in Surendranagar district where waters from an overflowing river gushed into their homes. India's annual monsoon season from June to September offers respite from the intense summer heat and is crucial for replenishing water supplies. But scores of people die each year during the rainy season due to flash floods and landslides across India, a country of 1.4 billion people.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Storms, floods kill 18 in Gujarat and traps mango farm workers as India's monsoon season intensifies
AHMEDABAD, June 18 — At least 18 people have died since Monday as torrential rains lashed parts of India's western Gujarat, state officials said. Disaster response teams have been deployed to help residents in the south of the state, who are bracing for more heavy monsoon rainfall. 'Eighteen people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, while dozens have been rescued across low-lying areas by disaster response teams,' the state government said late Tuesday. The worst-hit areas included Palitana and Jesar towns, which on Tuesday registered 867 millimetres (34 inches) of rain over the past 24 hours. State relief commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey said the 18 deaths were the result of storms, lightning strikes, and structural collapses due to rough weather. 'The state is fully geared to handle the situation, and inter-departmental coordination is being intensified to ensure swift relief and rescue operations,' Pandey said. Those rescued included 18 farm labourers who were trapped in mango orchards in the Gadhada area, and 22 people in Surendranagar district where waters from an overflowing river gushed into their homes. India's annual monsoon season from June to September offers respite from the intense summer heat and is crucial for replenishing water supplies. But scores of people die each year during the rainy season due to flash floods and landslides across India, a country of 1.4 billion people. — AFP
