July 21st, 2010

Summer thunderstorms have been exceptionally strong around July 14th, 2010 in southern Saudi Arabia. The storms affected Taif, Gizan, Asir mountains, and surrounding areas. While summer rain is normal in southern Saudi Arabia and Yemen due to tropical air extending from Africa and the Arabian Sea, the recent storms were stronger and wetter than normal. The storms resulted in 7 casualities!
Videos of Gizan storms:
Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
July 8th, 2010

Al Ain during the storm (Image Source: Storm.ae)

Oman and parts of the UAE under cloud cover
Tropical clouds from the Arabian Sea Monsoon, extending from India, have sent waves of tropical clouds and moisture over Oman and parts of UAE, mainly southeast areas. With abundant heat and moisture, thunderstorms have erupted over Hajar mountains on July 8th, east and southeast of Al-Ain, then moved westward and hit Al-Ain with high winds, hail, and heavy rain. Winds gusted up to 114 Km/hr! Temperature decreased to 29c or less during the storm
The rainy clouds are covering a widespread area of southeast UAE near Oman border. The situation is expected to remain more or less the same until Saturday July 10th.

Rain Radar showing areas of rain over SE UAE
July 7th, 2010

Mukhariz, a town in South Western UAE in the empty quarter recorded 55.2c degrees few days back. According to Gulfnews, “A staggering high maximum temperature was recorded in Mukhariz, near Saudi Arabian border, in the Western region of the country. The NCMS report said it was 55.2 degree Celsius. The area also suffered from dust storm in the afternoon.”
It seems there will be no respite from this burning summer as the UAE might be getting more extreme heat as we head into middle of July. The period after July 10th might bring near 50c in the open desert (interior areas).
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