Expert Raises Alarm Over Cloud Seeding: Could 'Weather Wars' Erupt?

A meteorologist has raised concerns about possible conflicts between countries if cloud seeding, a technique where planes inject clouds with chemicals to induce rainfall, is not properly managed.

The warning comes after heavy rain hit Dubai, UAE, causing severe flooding. The downpour, which started on Monday, led to widespread disruptions including school closures, flooded homes, and travel delays.

There have been suggestions that the intense rain was triggered by cloud seeding. However, experts are divided on whether cloud seeding was the cause, sparking debate within the weather community.

Johan Jaques, a senior meteorologist at environmental technology company KISTERS, warns of potential "unintended consequences" of meddling with weather patterns, as per a Newsweek report. He believes there could even be diplomatic fallout leading to "weather wars."

Jaques explained, "Cloud seeding aims to enhance and accelerate the precipitation process. Especially in areas which have not seen any rain over a long time, such intense precipitation can lead to infiltration excess flow, with potential flash floods as a result."

He continued, "The Dubai floods act as a stark warning of the unintended consequences we can unleash when we use such technology to alter the weather."

While there is no concrete evidence linking the Dubai rains to cloud seeding, Jaques urges caution in tampering with natural weather processes.

"Anytime we interfere with natural precipitation patterns, we set off a chain of events that we have little control over," he said, adding, "If we're not careful, unrestrained use of this technology could end up causing diplomatic instabilities with neighbouring countries engaging in tit-for-tat 'weather wars'."