UAE Summer Ends September 22 as Autumn Equinox Signals Cool Down

The UAE Meteorological Department and the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS) have confirmed that the autumn equinox will occur on September 22, 2024. This date marks the official end of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere, including the UAE, as the sun moves directly over the equator. Temperature Shifts and Suhail Star While the astronomical end of summer is scheduled for late September, residents will begin to notice a gradual decline in temperatures following the appearance of the Suhail star on August 24. In the UAE, this celestial event traditionally signals the beginning of the end for extreme heat, leading to a transition period known locally as 'Saffriya'. During this transition, daytime temperatures typically drop from the 45°C–50°C range seen in July and August to the high 30s. However, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, noted that high humidity levels often persist throughout September, which can maintain a high heat index despite lower mercury readings. Impact on Daylight Hours The autumn equinox results in nearly equal hours of day and night across the Emirates. Following September 22, the…