Intense Summer Heat in UAE from June 7

Intense Summer Heat Begins in UAE from June 7

The Real Start of Summer in UAE

In UAE, the summer heat doesn't arrive overnight, but is accompanied by identifiable natural and astronomical signs. One of the most important phenomena is the dawn appearance of the Pleiades star cluster above the eastern horizon, which traditional Arab weather observations link to the beginning of the scorching summer period. This phenomenon holds particular significance each year, as it is not only an astronomical event but also a major turning point in the region's climatic rhythm.

On June 7, the Pleiades, locally known as Al Thurayya, will be visible again at dawn in the UAE sky. Traditionally, the dawn rising of this star cluster marks the period when the summer heat becomes truly intense. Residents are thus not only preparing for warm days but also for the persistent, dry, humid, and often dusty weather that defines UAE summers.

What Does the Rising of the Pleiades Mean?

The Pleiades star cluster appears above the eastern horizon at dawn, roughly 25 degrees north of due east. In the traditional Arab navigation system, this direction has long been given a specific name, as observing the sky had not just scientific, but also everyday practical significance in desert life.

According to ancient Arab observations, the summer heat begins with the rising of the Pleiades and lasts until the appearance of the Suhail star. This is not a summer in the strict calendar sense but rather an experiential weather phase. People inferred the upcoming period from natural signs, wind directions, humidity, night temperatures, and changes in the sky, rather than meteorological models.

This knowledge remains fascinating today as it demonstrates how precisely the region's inhabitants observed seasonal changes. Alongside modern forecasts, these traditional observations still help explain why the weather becomes increasingly challenging from early June in the UAE.

The First Hot Phase from June 7 to June 19

The so-called Pleiades-rising period lasts from June 7 to June 19. This 13-day period is considered the first distinctly intense phase of the summer heat. The broader Pleiades season extends to July 2, and includes the appearance of the Pleiades star cluster and its follower, Aldebaran.

This period clearly signifies the start of summer in the UAE. The days are long, the sunshine is strong, and temperatures remain high, while the nights offer no real respite. During this time, daytime average temperatures usually range between 40 and 43 degrees Celsius, while at night, they might still hover between 28 and 31 degrees Celsius.

This can be particularly taxing for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, work at construction sites, walk, or wait in outdoor areas for extended periods. Although Dubai and other major UAE cities are well-prepared for the summer with air-conditioned transport, shopping malls, and covered walkways, the heat still requires significant adaptation.

The Subsequent Summer Phases

The Pleiades phase is followed by further traditional summer phases, including the period linked to the Gemini, and then the Al Marzam and Al Kulaibiyin periods. These are characterized by increasing heat, drought, and higher humidity.

UAE's summer is not only about high temperatures. Air humidity is often just as burdensome as the heat itself. In coastal cities, including the Dubai region, the humid air can make the perceived temperature feel much higher than the actual one. This means that a 41-degree Celsius day might feel far hotter to the body.

Later in the summer, south-easterly, humid winds, known as Kous, may become more active. These winds bring sultry, heavy weather, where the air seems to stand still, and the heat becomes particularly exhausting. Relief from the summer period traditionally begins with the late August appearance of the Suhail star, which has long signaled a weather turnaround in the region.

Heat Waves and Dusty Winds

An essential part of UAE's summer weather are heat waves, also referred to as Waghrat. During these times, the temperature exceeds the typical average for the period by at least 4 degrees Celsius, lasting for two or more consecutive days.

These heat waves can be particularly taxing because they not only raise daytime temperatures to dangerous levels but also prevent nighttime air from cooling down. The body thus regenerates less, increasing the risk of exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stress.

The hot period is often accompanied by north-westerly winds, known as Al Bawarih. These winds can stir up dust and sand, reducing visibility, deteriorating air quality, and complicating transportation. The dry northern and north-westerly Samoom winds may also become more active during the season, further enhancing the hot, dry sensations.

The Role of the Summer Solstice

Astronomically, the Pleiades period coincides with the sun drawing closer to the Tropic of Cancer. The summer solstice occurs on June 21, when the sun reaches its northernmost point in the sky for the northern hemisphere. This brings the year's longest day and shortest night.

Around this time, in areas traversed by the Tropic of Cancer in southern UAE, the noon shadows can become extremely short, or in some places, almost disappear entirely. This is a striking sign of how high the sun shines during this period. In practice, this means that solar radiation is particularly strong, so exposure to direct sunlight can be burdensome.

During the summer, it is particularly important to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, avoid midday hours, and use cautious practices around cars, outdoor workplaces, and pedestrian paths. The heat can not only be unpleasant but also pose a health risk, especially for the elderly, children, individuals with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers.

The Start of Date Harvesting

The Pleiades period is important not only for the weather but also for agriculture. Traditionally, this season signals the beginning of the date harvest. In many regions of the UAE, the ripening of date palms is closely associated with the intensification of summer heat.

In the past, expressions such as Al Dhaid reached summer, or Al Ain reached summer, were used. These referred to the beginning of date ripening and harvesting in a specific region. Since different regions have varying locations, microclimates, and agricultural conditions, the start of the harvest did not fall on the same day everywhere.

This shows how closely UAE's traditional weather culture was intertwined with everyday life. The sky, the wind, the heat, and the condition of plants together indicated what period was approaching and what to prepare for.

What Can Residents and Travelers Expect?

Dubai and the other emirates of the UAE can expect increasingly hot, dry, and occasionally humid weather in the coming weeks. The period starting on June 7 is a clear signal that the milder months have ended, and the true summer season has arrived.

Anyone traveling to the country during this period should plan their day consciously. Outdoor activities should be scheduled for early morning or late evening, while staying in air-conditioned places is advisable during midday and early afternoon hours. City life, of course, doesn't stop in summer, but the weather dictates the rhythm.

The dawn appearance of the Pleiades is simultaneously an astronomical curiosity, a cultural tradition, and a weather warning. In the UAE, this phenomenon signals: the hardest part of the summer has begun, where heat, dusty winds, humidity, and long days shape everyday life.