UAE summer heat to gradually ease as Suhail rises on August 24

Dubai: On August 24, the UAE and the central Arabian Peninsula will see the first seasonal emergence of the Suhail star, traditionally signaling the onset of milder weather and the gradual relief from scorching summer temperatures. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and an Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences member, explained that temperatures typically start to decline after August 20.

Although hot conditions should persist until the end of September, high humidity and morning fog will still be present. This star, scientifically known as Canopus or Suhail, has been linked in Arab tradition to seasonal changes; farmers commence preparations for the upcoming agricultural season, while fish migrate closer to the coast as sea temperatures gradually decrease.

Al Safriya, regarded as the first of the milder seasons, is anticipated to begin during this period. Canopus, the second brightest star in the night sky after Sirius, can be observed shortly before dawn to the southeast in central parts of the Arabian Peninsula starting August 24. Spotted around 40 minutes before sunrise, its appearance follows a three and a half-month absence since it disappeared below the southwestern horizon in early May.

Due to its southern position, Canopus is challenging to view from many northern areas. However, in the Arabian Peninsula, its seasonal appearance has served as a crucial astronomical indicator for centuries. Canopus lies approximately 310 light-years away from Earth, meaning the light we observe today has been traveling for about 310 years.