UAE Summer Heat Begins June 7 as Pleiades Rises

From June 7, with the annual seasonal rise of the Pleiades, or Al Thurayya, in the eastern horizon, the UAE will transition into the next, more extreme phase of summer. In Arabian seasonal systems, the rise of Al Thurayya signals the onset of even more intense heat and drier conditions.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, explains that the dawn rising of the Pleiades meant the onset of the more brutal summer conditions for the Arabs of the region. It heralded the arrival of Al Qayz, the Gulf summer season, which lasts until the rising of Suhail in the late August and marks the beginning of the relief from the summer heat.

The first phase, the rising of the Pleiades, is anticipated to occur between June 7 and June 19, while the broader Pleiades season is likely to last until July 2, and will include the rise of Aldebaran, often regarded as the follower of the Pleiades.

In the UAE, Al Thurayya traditionally signals the arrival of the summer season, and daytime temperatures are likely to be between 40 and 43 degrees Celsius for the duration of Al Thurayya, while at night, the mercury is expected to remain between 28 and 31 degrees. Conditions are expected to become increasingly dry and dusty, with the uncomfortable hot conditions exacerbated by the seasonal dust movement and the hot, dry winds that are expected.

Waghrat, a local term for heatwave, is likely to be used in the forecast, as temperatures are expected to exceed the seasonal average by more than 4 degrees Celsius, while the conditions will be accompanied by northwesterly winds that will carry dust and sand, significantly impairing visibility.

Astronomically, summer occurs as the sun approaches the Tropic of Cancer. June 21 marks the longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere. In some areas of the UAE, midday shadows may completely disappear.

Residents are encouraged to limit outdoor exposure and stay hydrated. Sun protective clothing is recommended. Special precautions should be taken by workers, drivers, and anyone with a chronic illness. Heat conditions are expected to worsen in the upcoming weeks.