The Emirates Astronomy Society stated that the ‘Jamrat Al Qayd’ season, marking the peak of summer heat, begins in the UAE and across the Arabian Peninsula with the rising of the first star of Al Jawza from the eastern horizon at dawn on July 3, 2026. Considered the second phase of the summer heat season, this period represents the hottest and driest days of summer and extends until August 10th.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, explained that the ‘Jamrat Al Qaid’ period marks the hottest season in the Arabian Peninsula, characterized by intense aridity and the scorching, dry winds. He noted that daytime temperatures in some desert areas can exceed 50 degrees Celsius, accompanied by hot, dry air.
He added that the dawn rising of the ‘Al Jawza’ (Orion) stars in the east signals the onset of the period of intense heat—known as ‘Jamrat Al Qayd ’-when the earth scorches under the sweltering temperatures. He noted the ongoing succession of heatwaves characterized by extreme heat and dryness, during which temperatures rise by at least 4 degrees Celsius above normal for at least two days.
Al Jarwan said that the first star of Al-Jawza rises at dawn on July 3rd, the second is Al-Han'ah, rising at dawn on July 16th, and the final star is Al-Mirzam, which rises at dawn on July 29th.
The peak summer heat season concludes with the rising of the Al Kulaybayn stars at dawn on August 11th, marking the start of the final summer season- a period characterized by intense heat, high humidity, and oppressive conditions known to the Arabs as ‘Al-Wa'kah’ or ‘Wa'kat Suhayl’.