With the cold season long gone, UAE residents are feeling the heat as the sun's rays beat down. This year recorded one of the hottest Aprils (so far) in the decade, along with a reduction in rainfall, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. As people shed their winter coats for lighter florals, has summer begun yet? While calendar and temperature trends may not align with the astronomical onset, the hot season is, astronomically, yet to begin. June 21 marks summer solstice in UAE, according to Dubai Astronomy Group. A summer solstice is "the moment when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost point in the sky", said Khadijah Al Hariri, Operations Manager at DAG

This also marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. The summer solstice occurs "because Earth's tilt is most directly angled toward the Sun at that time," Khadijah added.

These guidelines help residents enjoy the outdoors safely:

• Drinking plenty of water and fluids
• Avoiding direct exposure to sunlight
• Wearing light-coloured and cotton clothing
• Using hats and sunglasses
• Avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours
• Ensuring proper ventilation of enclosed spaces