Latest news with #AlMirzam
Khaleej Times
21 hours ago
- Climate
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Will temperatures cross 50°C as peak summer heat period begins?
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.
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Climate
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Faces Heatwave As Temperatures Soar To 52°C In Peak Summer Stretch
Kuwait entered what meteorologists say is the hottest stretch of the year on Tuesday, a 13-day period when temperatures are expected to soar as high as 52°C in some parts of the country, the Arabic daily Al Seyassah reported. The country's Meteorological Centre and the Al Ojairi Scientific Centre have warned that the extreme heat is part of a seasonal phase known locally as 'Jamrat Al Qayz' — literally, 'the fire of summer' — or 'Al Mirzam.' The period, which marks the peak of the Arabian Peninsula's summer heat, will continue until August10. In a statement, the meteorological centre said the Al Mirzam phase signals the most intense stretch of the summer, after which the season gradually transitions into 'Al Kulaibin,' known for its oppressive humidity, and later into 'Suhail', when conditions begin to ease. The centres noted that the period takes its name from the star Al Mirzam, astronomically known as Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. It is also the time when date palm harvesting begins, an annual marker of the region's deep summer.
Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Science
- Filipino Times
UAE Enters Peak Summer Heat Phase with the Rise of Al Mirzam Star
The UAE is currently in one of the hottest periods of the year, known as Waghrat Al Mirzam, marking the final and most intense wave of summer heat across the Arabian Peninsula. This phase will continue until August 10 and is associated with the rise of the Al Mirzam star, also called Sirius or Al Shi'ra Al Yamaniya, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan of the Emirates Astronomy Society. Also called 'Jamrat Al Qayz' or the 'coal of the summer,' this period brings extreme desert heat, followed by increasing humidity and more cloud activity over mountainous areas like the Hajar range. Historically, Waghrat Al Mirzam served as a seasonal signal for Bedouin communities, who used the star's rise as a cue to end migrations and prepare for harvest or grazing. An old saying goes, 'If Al Mirzam rises, gather your camels and prepare to depart.' Sirius is among the brightest stars visible to the naked eye and is part of the Canis Major constellation. It holds cultural and religious significance, even being mentioned in the Qur'an, and was worshipped by some ancient Arab tribes. With a surface temperature exceeding 24,000°C, Sirius is hotter and more luminous than the sun but lies 8.6 light-years from Earth. Though folklore connects the star's rise to extreme heat, scientists clarify that there is no proven link between Sirius's appearance and temperature increases. Waghrat Al Mirzam is one of several traditional summer phases, each lasting around 18 days. It comes after Waghrat Al Thurayya, Ayooq, and Assaya, and just before Waghrat Al Nujaymat (Suhail), which signals the beginning of cooler weather.
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Science
- Gulf Insider
UAE Enters Final Phase Of Peak Summer Heat: What To Expect Till August 10
The UAE is currently experiencing one of the most intense phases of the summer season—Waghrat Al Mirzam—marking the final wave of extreme heat across the Arabian Peninsula. According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, this period lasts until August 10 and coincides with the rising of the Al Mirzam star, also known as Sirius or Al Shi'ra Al Yamaniya . Often referred to as 'Jamrat Al Qayz' or the 'coal of the summer,' this phase signifies the climax of desert heat. As Al Mirzam rises in the sky, temperatures soar, after which humid air masses begin advancing, and cloud activity increases over mountainous regions like the Hajar range. Waghrat Al Mirzam has long served as an astronomical and agricultural marker for Bedouin and desert-dwelling communities. Folk sayings passed through generations, such as 'If Al Mirzam rises, gather your camels and prepare to depart,' signalled the time to return from seasonal migrations for harvest or grazing. Astronomically, Al Mirzam (Sirius) is one of the brightest stars visible to the naked eye and belongs to the Canis Major constellation. Mentioned in the Qur'an and once worshipped by some pre-Islamic Arab tribes, Sirius boasts a surface temperature of over 24,000°C—making it far hotter and more luminous than the sun, although it lies 8.6 light-years from Earth. While traditional wisdom links Al Mirzam's rise to the onset of severe heat, astronomers stress that no scientific evidence confirms a direct correlation between the star's appearance and temperature spikes. Waghrat Al Mirzam is part of a traditional seasonal calendar, with each phase lasting approximately 18 days. It follows Waghrat Al Thurayya, Waghrat Ayooq, and Waghrat Al Assaya, and precedes Waghrat Al Nujaymat (Suhail)—which signals the approach of cooler weather ahead.
