The United Arab Emirates' astronomical summer will officially come to an end on September 23 when the autumnal equinox marks the start of autumn, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences.
Al Jarwan explained that while meteorologists know September is the first month of autumn, the astronomical season goes on until the equinox on September 23. He said the UAE's hottest season, Al Qayz, starts to ease towards the end of August with the emergence of the star Suhail, a traditional regional sign of milder weather.
Despite the expected seasonal change, temperatures will remain high throughout much of September. But the Indian seasonal low-pressure system, which gives the region’s weather a strong influence, gradually weakens during the month. At the same time, the UAE still experiences thermal low-pressure systems from central Arabia, bringing active winds that can stir up dust and reduce visibility.
September weather conditions also are favourable for convective clouds to form, especially in the eastern mountainous regions. These cloud formations can provoke thunderstorms and sometimes rain, and sometimes even storms can reach inland areas of the country.
However, the month also has a marked change in wind patterns. South-easterly winds are expected to dominate overnight and in the morning and will give way to north-westerly sea breezes in the afternoon and evening. Humidity levels gradually rise compared with August, especially during the second half of September, creating good conditions for fog and mist to develop in some places across the UAE.
According to Al Jarwan, astronomical summer started with the summer solstice on June 21 and lasts for three months. The first half of the season is mainly 41°C to 43°C, but heatwaves can take temperatures above 50°C in some areas.
From August 11 onwards, more humidity and intense heat along with the seasonal Kous winds will lead to strong thunderclouds over the Hajar Mountains. Such conditions often lead to localized summer thunderstorms called Al Rawayeh.
As summer goes on, residents are adjusting their daily routines, scheduling outdoor activities early in the morning or late at night and spending the hottest part of the day in air-conditioned locations. The UAE’s biggest summer project, Dubai Mallathon, runs from June 15 to September 15 where residents walk and run in indoor areas inside participating shopping malls during the morning.
In the summer, indoor attractions such as shopping malls, museums, aquariums, and family entertainment centres still draw large crowds. As temperatures start to moderate towards the last half of August, outdoor parks, eastern mountain destinations, and desert attractions are also expected to draw more people.
