As the UAE braces for the end of its scorching summer, the anticipated rise of the Suhail star is set to bring the first signs of relief. Expected to appear around August 24, the Suhail star has long been associated with the beginning of a gradual transition to cooler weather, though immediate temperature drops are unlikely.
The star’s rise is a significant cultural and climatic marker in the region. Known as the ‘Star of Yemen,’ its appearance indicates that nighttime temperatures will slowly decrease, as expressed in the Arab saying, “If Suhail rises, the night cools down.”
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, explained in a Khaleej Times report that the rise of Suhail ushers in a 40-day transitional period called ‘Sufriya.’ During this time, fluctuating weather conditions will bridge the gap between the extreme summer heat and the more temperate climate expected by mid-October, coinciding with the onset of the ‘Wasm’ season.
Additionally, Suhail’s rise marks the retreat of the Indian monsoon and the arrival of ‘Kous’ winds, which bring increased humidity and may result in light drizzles, especially along the Hajar Mountains. These changes signal the end of summer and the slow march toward the cooler days ahead.