Each day brings new wonders. The world can wake up and realize that more women than ever are using contraceptives, that the death toll in Syria has dropped significantly during the current ceasefire, and that Google decided it was time to teach people to play the Theramin.

Image: Google

The world can also wake up and find out that one of the most arid, dry and totally desert-filled countries is suddenly underwater. Yes, the reports are true: it is raining in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai is covered in water. 


via GIPHY

Yup, the city that averages less than 1 inch (20mm) of rain a month is literally flooded.

The storm is hammering Dubai and nearby Abu Dhabi with 100km winds. Stuff like this is being reported in both cities:

It’s not just wind and rain. Hail is being reported, and it’s not a joke.

Some photographers and netizens were taking advantage of the beauty in the chaos.

Some residents of Dubai seemed less than thrilled by the rain as it clogged up roadways.

Others took the opportunity to enjoy some refreshing water sports.

And at least one person tried to be extra creative in navigating the rushing waters of Dubai. (who would ever think they’d hear that statement?)

The event was devastating (at least in the short term). Flooding shut businesses and schools across the country.

Though humor was being used as coping mechanism.

The calm after the storm provided some fascinating views.

Climate change is real. It doesn’t just mean rising seas and higher global temperatures. It also means strange weather. And if you’re looking for evidence of strange, this would seem to fit.

TopicsEnvironmentuaeDubaiExploreUnited Arab Emirates

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Defend the Planet

Heavy Rains, Wind and Hail Brings UAE and Dubai to a Standstill

By Brandon Blackburn-Dwyer