Picture for illustrative purposes only. EXPAT MEDIA

If it already feels like summer in the UAE, that is because temperatures are steadily climbing, even though the season has not officially begun yet. Residents across the UAE have been feeling warmer days and noticeably hotter nights this week, with temperatures in some areas already touching the 40°C mark.  According to the National Centre of Meteorology, temperatures on Friday (April 24) reached between 37°C and 42°C in inland areas. For many residents, especially those who dread the yearly blast of desert heat, the big question is always the same: when does summer officially begin? Astronomically, summer in the UAE will officially start on June 21, marked by the summer solstice. The summer solstice happens when the Northern Hemisphere receives more sunlight than on any other day of the year. This is when the sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky, creating the longest day and shortest night of the year. This year, daylight is expected to last around 13 hours and 48 minutes. The event is also known as the June solstice and has been observed since ancient times, with many cultures marking the day through celebrations, feasts, bonfires, songs and outdoor gatherings. Of course, for UAE residents, summer often feels like it arrives much earlier than the calendar says. The country is no stranger to extreme heat, with temperatures in previous years climbing beyond 50°C during peak summer months. For now, the heat may only be warming up, but the real summer stretch is still on the way. CAM/Expat Media
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