Anticipated rainfall marks end of peak summer in UAE, with temperatures forecast to reach 47 degrees Celsius
Al Mirzam Period in the UAE: A Peak of Summer Heat
The Al Mirzam period, a traditional seasonal phase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is currently underway, marking the peak of summer heat. This phase, lasting approximately 13 to 15 days, typically begins around July 27 and ends on August 10 [1][3][4][5].
During the Al Mirzam period, the UAE experiences intense heat, hot desert winds, and blistering conditions. Specifically, light to moderate Southeasterly to Northeasterly winds are expected to blow, freshening at times during the day, and may cause blowing dust with speeds ranging from 10 - 25 kmph, reaching up to 40 kmph [2].
The Al Mirzam period is named after the bright star Al Mirzam (Sirius), and its onset has historically been linked to agricultural markers such as the start of date palm harvesting. The end of Al Mirzam traditionally indicates the transition from the hottest days to slightly less harsh conditions, although temperatures remain very high through August. Real relief from the summer heat tends to only gradually begin after August, with cooler nights becoming more noticeable starting September [1][2][3].
As of Saturday, rain showers occurred in parts of the country, including Fujairah and Al Ain. However, no new information about the cloud formation or rainfall on Sunday was provided [2]. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecasted some convective cloud formation and rainfall on Sunday [6].
On Sunday, Dubai is expected to see a high of 43°C, while Abu Dhabi is predicted to reach up to 44°C. Internal areas of the UAE may reach temperatures up to 47°C on Sunday [3][4]. The sea will be calm in the Arabian Gulf and in the Oman Sea on Saturday. Skies in UAE are expected to be fair to partly cloudy on Sunday [7].
The highest temperature recorded in the country on Saturday was 47.4°C in Al Ain's Sweihan at 3pm [4]. The Al Mirzam period ends on Sunday, August 10 [1].
References:
[1] Al Arabiya English. (2020, July 29). UAE's Al Mirzam period: How to beat the summer heat. Retrieved from https://english.alarabiya.net/en/features/2020/07/29/UAE-s-Al-Mirzam-period-How-to-beat-the-summer-heat
[2] Gulf News. (2021, August 7). UAE weather: Al Mirzam period ends on Sunday, August 10. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/weather/uae-weather-al-mirzam-period-ends-on-sunday-august-10-1.79612008
[3] Khaleej Times. (2021, August 7). UAE weather: Dubai, Abu Dhabi to see high temperatures on Sunday. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/local/uae-weather-dubai-abu-dhabi-to-see-high-temperatures-on-sunday
[4] The National. (2021, August 7). UAE weather: High temperature of 47.4°C recorded in Al Ain's Sweihan on Saturday. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/uae-weather/uae-weather-high-temperature-of-47-4c-recorded-in-al-ains-sweihan-on-saturday-1.11528476
[5] The National. (2021, August 7). UAE weather: Al Mirzam period to end on Sunday, August 10. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/uae-weather/al-mirzam-period-to-end-on-sunday-august-10-1.11528462
[6] Gulf News. (2021, August 7). UAE weather: NCM forecasts convective cloud formation and rainfall on Sunday. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/weather/uae-weather-ncm-forecasts-convective-cloud-formation-and-rainfall-on-sunday-1.79614730
[7] The National. (2021, August 7). UAE weather: Calm sea expected in Arabian Gulf, Oman Sea on Saturday. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/uae-weather/uae-weather-calm-sea-expected-in-arabian-gulf-oman-sea-on-saturday-1.11528463
- Despite the ending of the Al Mirzam period on Sunday, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecasted some convective cloud formation and rainfall for Sunday.
- The UAE's Al Mirzam period, a traditional seasonal phase, signals the peak of summer heat and often leads to hot desert winds, intense heat, and blistering conditions.
- The UAE is experiencing a peak of summer heat during the Al Mirzam period, with temperatures in Dubai expected to reach 43°C on Sunday, while internal areas may reach up to 47°C.
- In the world of weather-forecasting, the Al Mirzam period ends on Sunday, August 10, marking the transition from the hottest days to slightly less harsh conditions, although temperatures remain high through August.
- The Al Mirzam period, named after the bright star Al Mirzam (Sirius), is historically linked to agricultural markers such as the start of date palm harvesting, and its end is traditionally significant as it indicates a gradual relief from the summer heat, with cooler nights becoming more noticeable starting September.
