Summer in the UAE is notorious for its sweltering heat and humidity.
But the peak of this period will come to an end soon, with the Suhail star visible within the next two weeks.
The rising of this star in the southern sky is a celestial event tracked by astronomers across the Middle East. Symbolically, it marks the end of the extreme heat of peak summer and heralds the approach of cooler conditions.
Astronomers told The National they expect Suhail – a star in the constellation of Vela – will be visible from the dawn of August 22 to 24, marking the beginning of the shift towards the UAE winter.
According to Arab folklore, the night “cools down” when “Suhail rises”.
However, despite the historical and cultural significance of the star, these changes will not be immediate. September will still likely be hot and humid.
Seasonal temperatures
Between 1991 and 2020, average temperatures in September ranged from a minimum of about 29°C to a maximum of about 39°C. This is combined with humidity, which hits an average of about 54 per cent.
October tends to be the month when temperatures noticeably drop compared to the summer peak, with a minimum average of 25.5°C and maximum of 35.8°C between 1991 and 2020. The winter period follows, beginning in November.
January is traditionally the coolest month of the year, with an average minimum temperature of 15.5°C and maximum average temperature of 24.3°C between 1991 and 2020.
Where can you see Suhail?
Suhail will be visible at dawn from August 22 to August 24, Khadijah Ahmad, operations manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group, told The National.
As it is the second-brightest stars in the sky, it will be visible to the naked eye, and there are several places in the UAE that offer good viewing spots.
"The best locations are areas with minimal light pollution. Desert regions and elevated areas like the mountains are ideal. Specifically, places like Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah or Liwa offer excellent visibility," Ms Ahmad said.
The star will be visible for up to eight months, starting from late August and continuing throughout winter. Visibility levels will slowly deteriorate as winter transitions into spring next year.
The period after the sighting of Suhail, Ms Ahmad added, is also associated with seasonal rains in the mountains, a traditional time for planting new date palms, fishing and pearl diving, along with various cultural practices that reflect the natural shift in weather.
Where is Suhail?
Only Sirius is brighter than Suhail in the UAE night sky.
Also known as the Star of Yemen, its appearance aligns with the ancient Al Drour calendar, which segments the year into distinct phases, each spanning 100 days.
It is situated an estimated 545 light years away.
