UAE Summer Heat to Gradually Ease After Suhail Star Appearance
The UAE has just passed through the peak of its traditional summer heat period, known as Ayam Al Ghayth, which usually lasts for about six weeks from early July to around August 10. Temperatures in the UAE have soared, crossing 51°C on August 5, with night-time lows reaching as high as 35°C. However, with the appearance of the Suhail star expected on August 24, residents can expect a gradual change in the weather.
The rise of the Suhail star has long been regarded as a seasonal marker across the region, and according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, the days following its rise should bring a steady, rather than dramatic, easing in temperatures. While actual temperatures are likely to begin declining, the increased humidity could make conditions feel uncomfortable at times.
As temperatures begin to fall, humidity levels are expected to increase, which means residents may still experience a strong sensation of heat, even when thermometer readings are lower than they were during the height of summer. September and October are typically among the UAE’s most humid months, and the rising moisture may also bring early-morning fog and dew, with the first signs possible from late August and becoming more common through September.
Residents should also not rule out short-lived returns of intense heat, known as Zafarat Al Qayth, which can occur after the peak season has passed. Such spells do not alter the overall seasonal trend but can bring temporary increases in temperatures before conditions become more stable around the autumn equinox on September 23. After that, evenings are expected to become progressively more pleasant, with cooler daytime conditions taking longer to arrive, likely in November, and a broader seasonal cooling trend continuing into mid-December.
The appearance of the Suhail star does not cause changes in the weather but serves as a reliable marker in the traditional Arabian calendar, coinciding with the gradual transition away from peak summer conditions. As the UAE transitions into a new season, residents can expect a gradual easing of the summer heat, but patience will be needed as humidity, fog, and occasional hot spells remain part of the weather environment.
