A strong jet stream triggered severe thunderstorms in the Middle East, causing heavy rain in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. North Africa prepares for strong gusts as the weather pattern spreads.

<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 form a deep are...