Dubai received 100 mm of rain in just 12 hours on Tuesday. According to the United Nations, Dubai does not even get that much rainfall throughout the year.

Due to heavy rains, severe flooding has occurred in Dubai. Heavy rains turned roads in Dubai into rivers and flooded homes and businesses on Tuesday (April 16). Various videos showed Dubai International Airport submerged in water and planes moving like boats in flood waters. Flooding at Dubai International Airport has disrupted flight operations and delayed and canceled flights by several airlines, including Emirates.

Flydubai airline has canceled all flights until 10am local time on Wednesday (April 17). A passenger stranded at the airport told CNN he spent the night at the airport along with hundreds of others after arriving in Dubai from Hong Kong late on Tuesday because there was no transport outside the terminal. According to airport weather monitoring data, Dubai received 100 millimeters of rain in just 12 hours on Tuesday.

According to the United Nations, Dubai does not even get that much rainfall throughout the year. Some drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles as the heavy and fast rains turned floodwaters into rivers. Various videos on social media showed rainwater pouring through a large shopping mall and flooding ground floors of homes. Like the rest of the UAE, the weather in Dubai is hot and dry.

Due to the low rainfall in Dubai, there is limited drainage infrastructure during heavy rains. Hence the heavy rains on Tuesday left the city flooded. Due to climate change, such heavy rainfall events are expected to increase. As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture and this could lead to rainfall in other places like Dubai.