As the summer season descends upon the UAE, following the sighting of the 'Al Shurtan' constellation on May 12, the country braces for the onset of intense heat, with temperatures soaring beyond 40°C.
Transition to the Summer Season
As the UAE transitions into the summer season, heralded by the appearance of the 'Al Shurtan' constellation on May 12, the nation prepares for the inevitable onslaught of scorching temperatures, often surpassing 40°C. Alongside this meteorological shift, beachgoers are being urged to exercise caution due to the presence of dangerous currents known as 'Al Sayura', colloquially termed the drawing current.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, who presides over the Emirates Astronomical Society, shed light on the correlation between rising temperatures, which often exceed 40°C, and a significant drop in humidity to below 30 percent during daylight hours, coinciding with the appearance of the Al Shurtan constellation, characterized by its two prominent stars.
The Emirates Astronomical Association previously confirmed the sighting of this celestial phenomenon, announcing its visibility at dawn on Sunday, May 12, observed primarily from the eastern regions of the country.
Al Jarwan issued a word of caution to beachgoers, alerting them to the formation of hazardous currents at Al Sayura, notorious for their strong pull that can drag unsuspecting swimmers out to sea. Furthermore, he underscored the exacerbation of dry and dusty northwesterly winds, locally referred to as 'Barah', prevailing until mid-July, followed by the strengthening of 'Sumoom', characterized by hot and arid gusts.
While the waters of the Arabian Gulf remain relatively calm, turbulence is witnessed in the Arabian Sea and the northern stretches of the Indian Ocean, signaling the commencement of the tropical activity season.
Preservation Techniques
According to Al Jarwan's observations, this season also marks the initial ripening of dates, figs, and mangoes, coinciding with the drying out of most grazing lands. Additionally, it signifies the beginning of the fishing season in the Arabian Gulf, where a plethora of marine species, including barracuda, groupers, and sharks, thrive, with surplus catches preserved through salting techniques.
