The United Arab Emirates has moved into the final stretch of its traditional summer season, marking the beginning of a gradual seasonal transition that will eventually bring lower temperatures and more comfortable weather conditions. Although extreme heat will continue throughout much of August, astronomers say the coming weeks signal the first stage of the country’s slow shift toward autumn.
The seasonal milestone began on August 11, when the Al Kulaybin star appeared in the night sky, marking the start of Marakhiyat Al Qalaid. In Arabian seasonal traditions, this period represents the closing chapter of Al Qayz, the hottest part of the year across the Arabian Peninsula.
According to a report published by Gulf News on August 11, 2026, the appearance of Al Kulaybin and the upcoming rise of the Suhail star are considered important astronomical markers that indicate the gradual end of the region’s peak summer season.
Hot weather will continue despite seasonal change
Despite entering the final phase of summer, residents should not expect an immediate drop in temperatures. Meteorologists forecast that inland parts of the UAE could still experience daytime highs of up to 48°C, while coastal regions may begin to see a slow and modest decline in temperatures over the coming weeks.
Weather conditions are also expected to include moderate to fresh winds, with gusts reaching approximately 40 km/h in some areas. These winds may reduce visibility by lifting dust and sand, particularly in open desert locations.
August traditionally remains one of the country’s hottest months. During this period, the UAE continues to be influenced by the Indian seasonal low-pressure system, combined with thermal low-pressure areas developing over the southwest. These atmospheric patterns maintain high temperatures and humidity levels, especially along the coast, while afternoon convective clouds can occasionally trigger localized rainfall over eastern and southern regions.
Suhail has long guided seasonal traditions
A more significant seasonal event is expected on August 24, when Suhail, known internationally as Canopus, becomes visible before sunrise above the southeastern horizon. For centuries, people across the Arabian Peninsula have regarded the appearance of this bright star as a reliable indicator that the harshest part of summer is coming to an end.
Although modern meteorology relies on scientific observations rather than traditional astronomy, Suhail continues to hold strong cultural significance throughout the Gulf region. Its arrival is commonly associated with gradually cooler evenings, changing humidity, and more stable weather patterns as the region slowly moves away from extreme summer conditions.
Canopus is the second-brightest star visible in the night sky after Sirius and is located approximately 310 light-years from Earth. Because of its brightness and seasonal visibility, it has historically served as an important reference point for navigation, agriculture, and weather forecasting across the Arabian Peninsula.
Autumn will officially begin in late September
The appearance of Suhail does not mark the official end of summer from an astronomical perspective. Instead, the Northern Hemisphere will enter autumn on September 23, when the autumnal equinox occurs and daylight and nighttime become nearly equal in length.
According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, seasonal conditions continue to evolve for several weeks after Suhail becomes visible. Around 45 days later, day and night reach near equality, while the traditional arrival of winter is generally expected about 100 days after the star first appears above the horizon.
Although residents will continue to experience intense heat during the remainder of August, the latest seasonal indicators suggest that the UAE is gradually moving toward cooler months, with temperatures expected to ease progressively as autumn approaches.