For centuries, Arab navigators, fishermen, and farmers have watched the summer sky for the appearance of Suhail, known internationally as Canopus. This celestial marker has long served as a vital indicator for the Arabian Peninsula, signaling the gradual retreat of intense summer heat and the eventual arrival of cooler nights. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, has confirmed that the next major seasonal milestone arrives on August 24, when the star is expected to appear before dawn above the south-eastern horizon.
Suhail typically becomes visible across the region from early August through September, appearing low on the horizon shortly before sunrise. On August 24, its anticipated emergence marks the beginning of the traditional Suhail season, which spans approximately 53 days. For those hoping to spot it, experts recommend finding a dark, elevated location away from artificial city lights. The star is best observed roughly 30 to 50 minutes before sunrise when it sits close to the horizon.
The appearance of Suhail is a marker of the gradual retreat of peak summer heat rather than an immediate end to the sweltering conditions. While temperatures may remain high after the star becomes visible, the traditional observations associated with this period point toward cooler nights, increasing humidity, and shifting wind patterns. Over generations, observers noted that the star’s rise coincided with a gradual fall in temperatures, the development of early morning fog, and a shift in south-easterly winds toward the Hajar Mountains in Oman and the UAE’s east coast.
Suhail was particularly important for communities whose livelihoods depended on agriculture, livestock, and the seasonal cycle. Its appearance was traditionally linked to essential activities such as camel grazing, date harvesting, and palm-tree pollination, with many of these tasks scheduled to take place 70 to 80 days after the star’s rise. The star served as a reliable natural calendar, allowing ancient communities to anticipate weather changes long before the advent of modern forecasting systems.
The cultural significance of the star is deep-rooted, with its name derived from the Arabic word “sahl,” meaning “level,” “even,” or “smooth plain.” This refers both to its low position on the horizon and its role as a guide for seasonal navigation. Canopus itself is a yellow-white supergiant located approximately 310 light-years from Earth in the constellation Carina, boasting a luminosity more than 10,000 times that of the Sun.
According to Al Jarwan, the seasonal progression continues well after the star’s initial appearance. Roughly 45 days after Suhail rises, day and night become nearly equal in length, signaling the arrival of autumnal conditions. Furthermore, winter is traditionally said to begin approximately 100 days after the appearance of the star, marking the completion of the transition from the long, intense summer.
Despite the promise of eventual relief, the UAE continues to face extreme weather. Recent reports indicate that temperatures are expected to hit 49°C as humidity levels rise across the country. These high temperatures are often accompanied by challenging conditions, including instances where heat has touched 50.9°C, such as during recent thunderstorms in Sharjah.
The current weather forecast also suggests that residents should prepare for light rain and mist this weekend. These conditions, while seemingly contradictory to the summer heat, are part of the complex meteorological patterns that define the region. The combination of high temperatures and humidity remains a primary concern for authorities as the country navigates the final, intense weeks of the summer season.
Ultimately, while the appearance of Suhail provides a comforting sign that the peak of summer is beginning to wane, it serves as a reminder of the gradual nature of seasonal change. Residents are advised to stay updated on official weather reports as the UAE transitions through these final, hot days toward the more moderate climate of the coming months.
Suhail appears around 30 to 50 minutes before sunrise, when it can be spotted close to the horizon.
However, the appearance of Suhail does not mean that summer heat ends immediately.
Why UAE summers bring thick fog: The science explained