Qatar – Flash Floods After Year’s Worth of Rain in One Day

by in Asia, News

Thunderstorms and rare torrential rain caused flooding across the Persian Gulf State of Qatar on Saturday 20 October, 2018.

The desert state received a year’s worth of rainfall in one day. Qatar’s Meteorology Department (Civil Aviation Authority) figures showed that Abu Hamor in the capital Doha recorded 84mm of rain in less than 6 hours on 20 October.

Rainfall in Qatar, 20 October 2018. Image: Qatar Civil Aviation Authority / Qatar Meteorology Department

According to World Meteorological Organization figures (WMO) the October average rainfall for Doha is 1.1mm and the annual average is 75.2 mm.

The rain caused roads to flood, resulting in severe traffic disruption. Social media images showed cars almost completely submerged. Buildings were damaged, schools closed and some flights had to be diverted.

Further rain is likely as thunderstorms remain in pats of the northern Arabian Gulf. On 22 October, Qatar Meteorology Department said that marine warnings are still in effect due to unsettled weather conditions.

Although rare, this level of rainfall in Qatar is not unprecedented. Parts of the country saw heavy rainfall and floods in late November, 2015. Qatar Meteorology Department said 80.8 mm of rain fell at Hamad International Airport in Doha.

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