UAE Will Witness Its Longest Day in 228 Years on June 20

The United Arab Emirates is set to experience a remarkable celestial event this year, with the summer solstice occurring earlier than usual on June 20th at 20:51 UTC. 

This phenomenon marks the earliest solstice since 1796, making it a significant occurrence for countries around the world, including the UAE.

During this celestial event, the UAE will enjoy the longest day of the year, with daylight hours extending to 13 hours and 48 minutes. 

The summer solstice is characterized by the sun reaching its highest point in the sky at the Tropic of Cancer, its northernmost point. 

For the UAE, this means a day of abundant sunshine and the shortest shadows of the year at noon, particularly in the southern regions where there will be no shadow at all.

The timing of this year's solstice is noteworthy due to its rarity. 

It's the earliest solstice to occur in 228 years, a result of the intricacies of our calendar system and the slight adjustments made during leap years. 

These variations ensure that while the solstice date may shift slightly, the phenomenon itself remains a predictable part of our annual calendar.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Board Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and member of the Arab Union for Space and Astronomy Sciences, highlighted the significance of this event. 

He noted that temperatures during the solstice are expected to range between 41 and 43 degrees Celsius during the day and 26 and 29 degrees Celsius at night. 

The conditions will be generally dry, with active winds adding to the summer heat.

As the sun reaches its zenith, areas directly below it in the UAE will experience unique conditions. 

Noon shadows will be shorter across the Arabian Peninsula, contributing to the distinctive summer solstice experience. 

This phenomenon will usher in the first half of summer, which runs from June 21 to August 10, characterized by high temperatures and dry weather.

The second half of summer, spanning from August 11 to the autumnal equinox on September 23, will bring different climatic conditions. 

During this period, the UAE can expect an influx of high humidity, persistent high temperatures, and the activation of moist Kos winds. 

These winds will invigorate the formation of cumulonimbus clouds over mountainous regions, leading to thunderstorms