Weather tracker: Thunderstorms drench UAE and Saudi Arabia

<p>Abnormally strong jet stream triggers deluge in Middle East, while north Africa braces for 60-80mph gusts</p><p>An unusual weather pattern unleashed severe thunderstorms across parts of the Middle East last week, battering countries including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The Arabian peninsula – typically dominated by arid desert climates – received up to 150mm of rain in just a few days.</p><p>The deluge was caused by an abnormally strong jet stream, which helped a deep area of low pressure to develop north of Saudi Arabia. This, in turn, drew moist tropical air from the Indian Ocean and triggered intense storms.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/30/weather-tracker-thunderstorms-uae-united-arab-emirates-saudi-arabia">Continue reading...</a>