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Cloud seeding missions conducted to boost rainfall and water reserves in The UAE from start of 2026, Light rain expected in UAE as cloud seeding targets suitable cloud formations only
80 cloud seeding missions conducted in The UAE from start of 2026.
The National Centre of Meteorology has carried out around 80 cloud seeding missions since the start of 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance rainfall and strengthen the country’s water reserves.
What is Cloud Seeding?
Cloud seeding is a technique used to increase rain or snow by dispersing substances like silver iodide, dry ice, or salts into clouds. These particles act as nuclei, encouraging water droplets to cluster together and become heavy enough to fall as precipitation.
Key Element of Cloud Seeding:
- Purpose: Primarily used to enhance rainfall in extremely dry, parched regions to boost reservoirs, and increase rainfall/snowfall.
- Materials: Common agents include silver iodide and dry ice, salt particles.
- Method: Prepared chemical agent Introduced into clouds.
- Effectiveness: Studies suggest it can increase rainfall by up to 30-35% in clear atmospheres, and 10-15% in more humid, convective conditions.
- Limitations: It cannot create clouds out of nothing; it requires existing moisture and specific weather conditions.