As temperatures continue to rise in Bahrain, astronomical researcher Mohammed Redha Al Asfour has clarified that summer has not yet officially begun and the current weather conditions still fall within the spring season. He predicts that humidity levels will increase in the coming days, leading to a further rise in the perceived temperature. However, Bahrain is set to officially enter the summer season, also known as the summer solstice, on Thursday, June 20th, 2024, at 11:50 PM local time.
Summer is the longest season of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, lasting for 93 days, 15 hours, and 52 minutes. Al Asfour explains that this marks the peak of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, characterized by the longest day and shortest night of the year. From this point onward, daylight hours will gradually decrease, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it marks the peak of winter with the shortest day and longest night of the year.
On the first day of summer in Bahrain, the sun is expected to rise at 4:45 AM from the extreme northeast and set at 6:32 PM in the extreme northwest. Midday will occur at 11:39 AM, marking the longest daylight period of 13 hours and 47 minutes and the shortest nighttime period of 10 hours and 13 minutes in the year. Al Asfour notes that the first day of summer will also witness the shortest shadow of the entire year, with the sun at its highest point in the sky at noon.
During this time, the sun’s rays will fall perpendicularly on regions located on the Tropic of Cancer while the Earth’s North Pole will be tilted towards the sun. This tilt, at an angle of 23.5 degrees, will cause the sun’s rays to fall at an angle on regions located on the Tropic of Capricorn, signifying the beginning of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. These astronomical events highlight the unique positioning of the Earth in relation to the sun during the changing seasons.
As summer approaches, it is essential for residents of Bahrain to prepare for the hotter weather conditions and increased humidity levels. Staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours are important practices to stay safe and healthy during the summer months. Additionally, being mindful of the changing daylight hours can help individuals adjust their routines and activities accordingly to make the most of the longer days.
With the summer solstice marking the official start of summer in Bahrain, it is a time to appreciate the natural phenomena that govern our planet’s seasons and climate. As the days gradually become shorter and nights longer, it is a reminder of the cyclical nature of the Earth’s movements and the changing patterns of light and darkness that define our daily lives. By understanding and observing these celestial events, we can better appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world we inhabit.
