UAE's peak summer heat to persist as Al Mirzam star rises, astronomy expert explains

The emergence of the Al Mirzam star, scientifically identified as Sirius and the brightest star in the night sky, traditionally signifies the peak of summer heat in the UAE. Astronomy experts explain that its recent appearance over the eastern horizon heralds the final phase of intense summer weather, often referred to as 'Jumr Al Qaith,' or 'the embers of summer.'

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Al Mirzam is scientifically known as Sirius, the brightest star in the sky.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, noted that while Al Mirzam's rise is linked to the year's fiercest heat, it also indicates an upcoming shift in atmospheric conditions. The UAE can anticipate an influx of highly humid air masses, which will likely contribute to the formation of 'Al Ruwayyah' clouds, a characteristic of local summer weather. This period marks a gradual transition from dry conditions to high humidity.

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After disappearing for about four weeks in late June, it now rises in the east roughly 40 to 50 minutes before sunrise.

Historically, astronomical observations like the rise of Al Mirzam have been integral to life in the Arabian Peninsula. For generations, these celestial events guided crucial activities such as agriculture and maritime endeavors. Traditionally, the appearance of Al Mirzam coincided with the prime season for pearl diving and, significantly for farmers, aligned with the peak harvest of dates. An old Emirati saying captures this connection: 'When Al Mirzam rises, the harvest baskets are filled to the brim with dates.'

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This humidity aids in the formation of ‘Al Ruwayyah’ clouds (local summer clouds), which are expected to increase in the coming period.

Despite the star's association with peak heat, its appearance also signals the beginning of a gradual cooling process. Al Jarwan cautioned that this transition is not immediate. Drawing an analogy from a traditional Emirati saying, he explained that just as a pot retains heat after the fire is turned off, the warmth lingers even as the Suhail star, which follows Al Mirzam, begins to rise. True cooling in the region typically doesn't occur until November, with the period between the rise of Suhail and November serving as a transitional phase characterized by fluctuating temperatures.

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Farmers have always linked the best date varieties and highest yields to the time of Al Mirzam.