The UAE has passed the peak of its traditional summer heat, but scorching temperatures are set to persist despite Suhail’s August appearance.
UAE residents may start to notice a gradual shift in weather conditions in the coming weeks as the country moves beyond the most intense phase of summer. However, the arrival of cooler temperatures is expected to be gradual rather than immediate.
The Suhail star, which is expected to appear on August 24, has long been considered an important seasonal marker across the region. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, said the days following its appearance should signal a steady easing of temperatures rather than a sudden end to the summer heat.
“We are not talking about cold weather,” Al Jarwan said. “But people will feel a change in the atmosphere and a moderation in conditions.”
The shift is expected to become more noticeable around the time Suhail rises, roughly 10 days from now. While temperatures may begin to ease, rising humidity could still make conditions feel uncomfortable at times.The UAE has now moved beyond the peak of its traditional summer heat, known locally as Ayam Al Ghayth, which typically lasts around six weeks from early July to about August 10.
During this period, temperatures reached extreme levels, crossing 51°C on August 5, while overnight lows climbed as high as 35°C.
Humidity to rise as temperatures ease
Although temperatures are expected to gradually decline, humidity levels are likely to increase, meaning conditions may still feel intensely hot even as thermometer readings fall.
Al Jarwan explained that humid summer air holds considerably more moisture than winter air at the same relative humidity. At 40°C and 80 per cent humidity, for example, a cubic metre of air can contain around 50 grams of water, compared with less than 15 grams at 20°C at the same humidity level.
September and October are typically among the UAE’s most humid months. The additional moisture can also lead to early-morning fog and dew, with the first signs potentially appearing from late August and becoming more frequent during September.
Brief heat spells may return
Residents should not assume that the end of peak summer means an immediate end to extreme heat. Al Jarwan pointed to the traditional Zafarat Al Qayth, referring to short bursts of intense heat that can occur after the main summer peak.
These episodes do not change the broader seasonal trend but can temporarily push temperatures higher before conditions become more settled around the autumn equinox on September 23.
Following the equinox, evenings should gradually become more comfortable. Daytime temperatures are expected to take longer to moderate, with more noticeable cooling likely in November and the broader transition to cooler weather continuing into mid-December.
Suhail as a traditional seasonal marker
Known internationally as Canopus, Suhail does not directly cause changes in the weather. Instead, its annual appearance has traditionally served as a marker in the Arabian seasonal calendar, coinciding with the gradual shift away from peak summer conditions.
Al Jarwan also noted that traditional references to constellations such as Virgo, Libra and Scorpio serve as indicators of time and seasonal change rather than influencing the weather itself. In local seasonal traditions, they broadly correspond to September, October and November.
For now, the most intense phase of UAE summer is beginning to ease, but residents should expect a gradual transition rather than an immediate cool-down. Lower temperatures may be accompanied by higher humidity, morning fog and occasional late-summer heat spells before cooler conditions become firmly established.
