SHARJAH: Autumn in the northern hemisphere typically begins with the autumnal equinox, when the sun is directly over the equator, moving southward. This year, it will occur on 22nd September 2024, at 16:44 GST.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, explained that after the equinox, day and night will be equal in length in the UAE, with nights gradually becoming longer. The northern polar regions will experience continuous nights until spring.
He mentioned that early autumn evenings will feature star constellations like the ‘Big Dipper’ and the ‘Great Square of Pegasus’ (also called the ‘Aquarius Square’). Several meteor showers will be visible, including the Orionids (20th-22nd October), Leonids (16th-18th November), and Geminids (13th-15th December).
Al Jarwan noted that temperatures will drop below 25°C at night and under 40°C during the day after the equinox, with milder weather gradually settling in. Night-time cooling, where temperatures fall below 20°C, will begin in mid-October and last until mid-April, while daytime cooling, with highs below 30°C, will start from mid-November to mid-March.
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The winter rainy season, from November to March, will bring about 22% of the annual rainfall, mainly in late autumn. High humidity will lead to fog and dew, especially from mid-September to mid-November. Autumn is also abundant with fruits like pomegranates, citrus, and olives. The season is ideal for planting, farming, and sowing winter vegetables, as well as transplanting seedlings and pruning trees.
