After weeks of intense summer heat, residents across the UAE could soon see the first signs of a seasonal change, with the Suhail star expected to appear on August 24.
According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, the appearance of Suhail traditionally marks a gradual transition away from the most intense phase of the UAE summer.
The final stars associated with Al Qayz, the period traditionally linked with the peak of the region’s arid summer heat, are expected to rise around August 11. The period generally begins in early June and reaches its strongest phase through July and August.
What does the rise of Suhail mean?
Suhail, also known as the “Star of Yemen,” has long been associated with changing seasonal conditions across the Arabian Peninsula.
Its appearance does not mean that cooler weather arrives immediately. Instead, traditional observations describe a roughly 40-day transition period, known as Sufriya, during which temperatures gradually begin moving away from the extreme summer peak.
For UAE residents enduring the current heat, the timing offers a reminder that the most intense phase of summer may be approaching its end.
UAE temperatures remain exceptionally high
The country has continued to experience severe summer conditions, with temperatures exceeding 50°C in some areas.
The UAE recorded a high of 51.2°C on August 5, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), highlighting the intensity of this year’s summer heat.
Despite the high temperatures, parts of the country have also experienced periods of unsettled weather and rainfall, offering temporary relief in some areas.
Why can rain occur during extreme heat?
The NCM has explained that high summer temperatures can contribute to the development of convective clouds because intense surface heating causes air to rise.
However, heat alone is not enough to produce rainfall. Other factors, including sufficient moisture, humid air masses, atmospheric instability, upper-air systems and favourable winds, must also come together.
When these conditions align, thunderstorms and rain can develop even while temperatures remain close to 50°C.
For now, UAE residents will continue to contend with peak summer conditions, but the expected appearance of Suhail on August 24 could mark the beginning of a gradual seasonal transition.
While the arrival of the star is rooted in traditional astronomical observations, residents should rely on official weather forecasts for accurate information about daily temperatures and changing conditions.
