On August 14, the UAE recorded a temperature of 50.4°C in the Bada Dafas area of Al Dhafra region at 2:00 PM. This was the highest daytime temperature, approaching the year's record by less than one degree. Residents of the UAE are expecting the end of the harshest phase of summer, as there are less than ten days until the appearance of the star Suhail, which is expected on August 24 this year.
Culturally, the appearance of this star marks the transition to cooler conditions, but UAE experts warn that the weather will not cool down instantly. Although temperatures will gradually decrease, high humidity may create uncomfortable conditions. According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, residents may still feel intense heat even with lower thermometer readings compared to the peak of summer, as previously reported by Khaleej Times.
Earlier, on August 5, the temperature in Bada Dafas Al Dhafra reached 51.2°C, which was the highest reading in 2026 during this time, according to data from the National Center for Meteorology. The temperature in the UAE first reached the 50°C mark on August 1 in Al Shahmah, Abu Dhabi.
To help residents stay safe during the summer heat, it is recommended to follow several simple tips: drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty; limit time under direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day; wear light, loose, and light-colored clothing; reduce the intensity and duration of physical activity in hot weather; and regularly check your vehicle, including tire pressure, during the summer.
From June 15 to September 15, working under direct sunlight and in open areas is prohibited daily from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Some essential workers are exempt from this rule, but employers must provide shade, cooling equipment, drinking water, and first aid kits.
During the mid-day work ban, pedestrian delivery is prohibited. Furthermore, couriers in the UAE cannot be forced to work during this time if they do not wish to. Couriers should not be assigned more than three orders, and the total delivery time should not exceed 60 minutes.
In Dubai, 8,350 workers underwent free on-site medical examinations with the support of about 28 specialized medical professionals. Dubai couriers will also receive 5,000 health kits, which include medical and protective supplies, as well as a handheld fan and cooling towel to help combat high temperatures.
The third version of the popular campaign is underway, where volunteers distribute cold water, juice, and frozen treats to street workers across Dubai. This year's goal is to distribute 2 million such items.
More than 12,000 air-conditioned rest stations equipped with basic amenities will be available throughout the UAE. Workers delivering necessary goods can use the nearest rest station if needed, which they can find using interactive maps available through apps on their devices.
Residents of the United Arab Emirates may begin to notice gradual changes in the weather in the coming weeks as the country exits the most intense phase of summer, but cooler conditions will not arrive suddenly.
The appearance of the star Suhail, expected on August 24th, has long been considered a seasonal marker in the region. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, noted that the days following this star's rising should bring a steady, rather than sharp, drop in temperature.
Al Jarwan emphasized that this is not about cold weather, but rather that people will feel a change in the atmosphere and a softening of conditions. This change should become more noticeable around the time Suhail rises, which will be in about 10 days. Although actual temperatures are likely to start dropping, high humidity may occasionally make conditions uncomfortable.
The UAE has just experienced the peak of the traditional summer heat period, known locally as Ayyam Al Ghais, which usually lasts about six weeks, starting from early July until around August 10th. During this period, the highest temperatures in the UAE peaked, exceeding 51°C on August 5th. Nighttime lows also rose to 35°C.
As temperatures begin to fall, an increase in humidity is expected. Al Jarwan explained that this means residents may still experience a strong feeling of heat even if thermometer readings are lower than in the height of summer.
He clarified that humid summer air contains significantly more moisture than equally humid winter air, making conditions more exhausting. At 40°C and 80% humidity, a cubic meter of air can contain about 50 grams of water, compared to less than 15 grams at 20°C with the same relative humidity.
September and October are typically among the most humid months in the UAE. Increased humidity may also lead to morning fog and dew, with the first signs possible in late August and becoming more frequent in September.
Residents should also not rule out short periods of intense heat. Al Jarwan mentioned the traditional concept of Zafarat Al Ghais—heat spikes in late summer that can occur after the peak season ends.
He noted that such episodes do not change the overall seasonal trend but can cause a temporary rise in temperature until conditions stabilize around the autumn equinox on September 23rd. After this evening, it should gradually become more pleasant. Cooler daytime conditions will take longer to arrive, and a more noticeable softening is expected in November, with the overall seasonal cooling trend continuing until mid-December.
Suhail, known internationally as Canopus, does not cause weather changes by itself. Rather, its appearance has served as a reliable marker in the traditional Arabic calendar for generations, coinciding with the gradual transition from peak summer conditions.
Al Jarwan also stressed that traditional references to constellations such as Virgo, Libra, and Scorpius are used as indicators of time and season, not as factors influencing the weather. In local seasonal knowledge, these markers generally correspond to the months of September, October, and November.
At present, the worst summer heat is beginning to recede, but patience will be required. Temperatures may drop slightly in the coming weeks, while humidity, fog, and occasional heat spells remain part of the transition to a cooler season.
On Saturday, August 1st, clear and partly cloudy weather is forecast across the United Arab Emirates. In the afternoon, cloud development is expected over the eastern and southern parts of the country.
According to data from the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), the amount of cloud cover will increase by the end of the day, especially in the eastern and southern regions, while most of the country should maintain clear weather.
The wind will be light to moderate, initially blowing from the southeast and then gradually shifting to the northwest. Wind speeds are expected to be between 10 and 20 km/h, occasionally increasing up to 35 km/h.
Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman will remain minor. Previously, on July 31st, the highest temperature recorded in the country was 49.6°C in Sweihan (Al Ain) at 13:45 UAE local time.
For Saturday, maximum temperatures are predicted to reach up to 47°C in Abu Dhabi with a minimum of 30°C. Dubai is expected to have a temperature range from 31°C to 46°C, and Sharjah from 30°C to 46°C.
Earlier, the UAE experienced a peak of current rainy weather on Thursday, when recent precipitation brought relief to residents amidst the intense summer heat. The current weather system is expected to begin weakening and moving south starting Friday. The meteorological authority warned of possible convective cloud formation in some eastern and southern areas until 20:00 on Friday.
