UAE: Will temperatures cross 50°C as peak summer heat period begins?

Khaleej Times

3 days ago

With the month of August right around the corner, things are about to get even hotter with the Al Mirzam season upon us, according to UAE astronomer Ibrahim Al Jarwan.
Recently, parts of the UAE were hit with sporadic showers, sandstorms and even hail, taking residents by surprise amid soaring temperatures in most areas of the country.
During this time, other regions of the UAE that did not get any rainfall saw the the Mercury cross 50 ° C. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), a temperature of 50.6 ° C was recorded on Thursday, July 31.
Temperatures could go higher with the arrival of the Al Mirzam period, which falls between July 29 and August 10. The period began after the rising of the Al Mirzam star — also known as Sirius — from the eastern horizon, with which the most intense heat period begins, when the hot desert winds reach their peak, according to Jarwan.
Until August 10, summer heat is expected to reach its peak, accompanied by severe dry winds, known as 'samum' in arabic — which refers to hot, dry, and dusty desert winds. Temperatures may cross 50°C, according to the astronomer.
This period is also known as 'Waghrat al-Qayz', which is when intensely dry heat waves hit the region.
During this period, residents are advised to avoid going out during peak hours due to extreme heat from morning to sunset, and stay in cool places during the day.
'Days of the dog'
The Al Mirzam period is considered one of the times when various constellations including the Twins, Pisces, and others can be observed. It is also when the bright star can be seen rising from the eastern horizon above the Red Sea.
The days of Sirius, or the 'days of the dog', refer to the hottest days of summer. This term goes back to the Romans, and was also used by the Greeks. It is characterised by intense heat and dryness, and heat exhaustion causing lethargy and laziness in people, and making animals suffer from emaciation and exhaustion.
Historical significance
"The Arabs say: 'When Al Mirzam rises, the heat intensifies.'," Jarwan said, highlighting the importance of the season in Arab poetry and literature.
Arabs would also use the rise of the star as a way to navigate at sea and determine agricultural seasons.
Historically, sailors have considered this to be the best time to collect pearls in the depths of the Arabian Gulf. Meanwhile, farmers also prefer harvesting as there is a flow of moisture to the southern edges of the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in an abundance of dates throughout the region.