Humidity prevents sighting of Suhail Star but end of summer approaches

As summer draws to a close in the UAE, high humidity is impeding the visibility of the Suhail Star on Monday morning. This celestial event, closely monitored by astronomers across the Middle East, marks the transition from scorching summer temperatures to milder conditions.

According to Arab folklore, the appearance of Suhail in the southern sky signals the end of extreme heat and the approach of cooler weather. While temperatures will remain high during the day for several weeks, evenings will gradually grow cooler, and morning fog will become more noticeable.

Historical temperature data from 1991 to 2020 reveals that average September temperatures ranged from 29°C to 39°C, with a mean humidity of approximately 54 per cent. However, temperatures tend to decrease significantly in October, with an average minimum of 25.5°C and maximum of 35.8°C during the same period.

Following the winter period, which begins in November, the UAE experiences cooler months. January traditionally stands out as the coldest month, with average minimum temperatures of 15.5°C and maximum of 24.3°C between 1991 and 2020.

The Suhail star, also known as Canopus, holds significant cultural importance in the Gulf region. This second-brightest star in the night sky has historically served as an anchor in the Drour Calendar, a traditional system dividing the year into 100-day periods, further subdivided into 10-day segments called Dur. Sailors, fishermen, and pearl divers once relied on Canopus for navigation, both on land and at sea.

The sighting of Suhail is deeply embedded in national culture, representing a period of renewal and relief from extreme summer heat. It is also referenced in folklore and poems. Despite high humidity levels exceeding 80 per cent, the star remains expected to be clearly visible in the coming week.