Abnormally strong jet stream triggers deluge in Middle East, while north Africa braces for 60-80mph gusts Abnormally strong jet stream triggers deluge in Middle East, while north Africa braces for 60-80mph gusts 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