Suhail Star Sighting Signals End of UAE Summer, Though High Humidity Persists

Summer in the UAE is approaching its conclusion as the Suhail star is anticipated to appear next week. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, confirmed to The National that the initial seasonal sighting of the star will occur on Monday, August 24. The emergence of the Suhail signifies the end of peak summer conditions, with temperatures expected to drop by a few degrees as September arrives. Nevertheless, outdoor conditions may not feel significantly more comfortable due to rising humidity levels.

Average temperatures will decrease slightly in September, though this minimal cooling will be offset by heightened humidity. The rising of the Suhail star in the southern sky represents a celestial milestone monitored by astronomers throughout the region. Symbolically, it indicates the conclusion of extreme summer heat and heralds the transition toward cooler weather. According to Arab folklore, the night cools down when Suhail rises.

Between 1991 and 2020, average temperatures in September typically ranged from 29°C to 39°C, accompanied by an average humidity level of approximately 54 per cent. Temperatures generally decline more noticeably in October, recording a minimum average of 25.5°C and a maximum average of 35.8°C during that timeframe. This period is followed by the winter season, which commences in November. Historically, January remains the coolest month of the year in the UAE, registering an average minimum temperature of 15.5°C and a maximum average of 24.3°C between 1991 and 2020.

Known scientifically as Canopus, Suhail is a giant, yellowish-white star situated in the Carina constellation, approximately 313 light years away from Earth. It stands as the second-brightest star in the night sky, surpassed only by Sirius. Also referred to as the Star of Yemen, the appearance of Suhail corresponds with the traditional Al Drour calendar, which segments the year into distinct 100-day phases.