Suhail Star Signals Major Temperature Drop Across UAE

The UAE welcomes autumn as the Suhail star rises in the skies, bringing relief from extreme summer heat with cooler breezes. “If Suhail rises, the night cools down,” goes an ancient Arab saying. This astronomical event traditionally signals the easing of extreme heat across the Arabian Peninsula. The star appeared on August 24, which marks the start of a gradual transition toward more comfortable temperatures.

UAE residents can now look forward to relief from the scorching summer conditions. The temperature in September typically ranges between 32.3°C and 34.2°C. Daily highs reach 38.5°C to 40.6°C, while nighttime temperatures drop to 26.8°C to 29.3°C. The UAE’s weather will see most important changes as autumn officially begins with the arrival of “Al-Safriyyah” – a term that comes from “Al-Sifr,” meaning the beginning or first count.

The autumnal equinox arrives on September 23, bringing further temperature drops and cooler winds. The nights grow longer through September and October, adding about 8 to 10 minutes each week. This seasonal change marks autumn’s agricultural season in the UAE. Farmers begin actual planting and move seedlings to permanent soil in early October.

Suhail star marks seasonal shift in UAE

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The Suhail star, scientifically known as Canopus (α Carinae), serves as a vital celestial marker that signals seasonal changes throughout the Arabian Peninsula. This yellowish-white supergiant sits about 310 light-years away from Earth in the Carina constellation and glows more than 10,000 times brighter than our sun.

Only Sirius outshines Suhail, making it the second-brightest star we can see in our night sky. People in the UAE know summer starts losing its intensity once this ancient beacon appears low in the southeastern horizon before dawn. Arab communities noticed that their well water would start cooling right after Suhail made its appearance.

The star’s name comes from the Arabic word “sahl,” which means “level” or “smooth plain” – a reference to its low position in the sky. The star acts as nature’s own timekeeper and marks the beginning of the 40-day “Sufriya” period that brings temperature swings.

Sailors used this celestial body to navigate while farmers relied on it as their seasonal calendar. The star’s cultural value goes way beyond the reach and influence of astronomy. Its appearance tells farmers the perfect time to graze camels, harvest dates, and pollinate palm trees.

Modern meteorologists point out that stars don’t directly affect weather patterns. Yet Suhail’s appearance lines up with Earth’s natural seasonal rhythm as daylight hours decrease and nights grow longer.

Weather patterns begin gradual transformation

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“It coincides with the declining angle of the sun’s rays, the shortening of the day, and a drop in nighttime temperatures.” — Majed Abu Zahra, President of the Jeddah Astronomical Society

September brings subtle changes to UAE’s weather, though summer heat still persists. The temperature starts dropping throughout the month, especially in the evenings. Daily averages hover between 32.3°C and 34.2°C, while daytime highs reach 38.5°C to 40.6°C. Nights remain warm with temperatures between 26.8°C and 29.3°C.

The weather becomes more humid compared to August, with humidity levels averaging 49%. This leads to frequent fog and mist, which become common sights in September’s latter half. A notable example came in 2014 when UAE saw thick fog for 14 days and light fog for 12 more days.

Daily wind patterns create an interesting rhythm. Winds blow from the southeast during late nights and early mornings, then switch to a northwesterly direction by afternoon due to land-sea breeze patterns. These wind changes help create convective clouds, mostly over UAE’s eastern areas.

September 23 marks a significant moment – the autumnal equinox. The sun aligns perfectly perpendicular to the equator. Days and nights become equal in length, and nights start getting longer afterward. Emirates Astronomical Society’s Board Chairman Ibrahim Al Jarwan points out that nighttime temperatures drop below 25°C while daytime stays under 40°C after this date.

The Safriya period begins with its characteristic weather swings that bridge intense summer heat and autumn’s cooler temperatures.

Autumn season brings ecological and agricultural changes

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The arrival of autumn in the UAE reshapes the scene and kicks off the most important agricultural activities in the region. Suhail’s appearance marks peak date harvest season, and farmers gather abundant yields across the Gulf between August 24 and September 6. The Emirates’ farmers celebrate this season at events like the Liwa Date Festival, which features 24 competitions including 12 date mazayna contests for Dabbas, Khalas, and Fard varieties.

Autumn brings more than just dates to the region. Desert truffles (kamaa) thrive in the favorable conditions that begin September 16, adding this fungi family staple to Emirati cuisine. The season also sees a rise in flu cases throughout the country.

The sort of thing I love about autumn is the remarkable bird migration that brings millions of birds through the UAE from their northern breeding grounds. Research from 2007-2019 shows 93 species at five UAE sites, with 22 species (29%) showing up mainly during autumn passage. These autumn migrants arrive with plenty of food reserves, unlike spring migrants, since they leave the richer habitats north of Arabia.

The UAE’s planted greenery becomes a sanctuary for these traveling birds. Shore birds feast on the eastern lagoon mud flats’ abundant food. Bird migration grows stronger toward western areas as these creatures minimize crossing the Arabian Gulf.

The Suhail star’s appearance in the southeastern skies of the UAE brings welcome news to residents. They are happy to see this sign of relief from summer’s intense heat. This celestial event works like nature’s own clock and marks the start of a cooler autumn season. Arab communities have long used this second-brightest star as their guide. It tells them when to harvest dates and pollinate palm trees – tasks that are vital to their way of life.

Weather patterns in the UAE start changing in September. Evening temperatures become milder while humidity rises compared to August. Fog and mist show up more often, especially in the month’s second half. The autumn equinox arrives on September 23 and speeds up the cooling trend. Night temperatures then drop below 25°C.

Nature puts on a different face during this time of year. UAE farmers celebrate their peak date harvest season. The conditions turn perfect for desert truffle growth by mid-September. Birds migrate in huge numbers through the UAE in autumn. They find shelter in the country’s green spaces and eastern lagoon mud flats.

The Suhail star means much more than just another astronomical event to UAE residents. It carries centuries of wisdom passed down through families. Modern weather experts say there’s no direct link between the star and weather changes. Yet its arrival matches perfectly with Earth’s natural seasonal cycle. People here can finally look forward to pleasant temperatures after months of extreme heat. Longer nights and autumn’s rich harvest make this desert nation come alive.