Astronomers in the United Arab Emirates have announced the traditional arrival of summer 2026, marked by the seasonal setting of the Pleiades star cluster below the horizon. Beginning April 28, this annual celestial event has long been regarded as an important indicator of changing weather patterns and has been observed by communities across the region for generations. The disappearance of the star cluster is traditionally associated with the start of a warmer and drier phase of the year.
Experts say this period typically continues until early June, bringing rising temperatures and harsher daytime conditions. Rooted in Bedouin heritage and traditional environmental knowledge, the movement of the Pleiades star cluster was historically used to predict seasonal changes, organise travel, and guide daily life. The transition is also linked to sudden weather fluctuations known locally as “Bulat Al Thuraya,” which often occur in the days before the cluster disappears, reflecting the long-standing connection between astronomy, climate awareness, and life in the Arabian Peninsula.
