UAE residents, there’s light at the end of the summer tunnel. Meteorological autumn officially arrived on September 1, marking the start of the three-month period when temperatures are expected to gradually ease across the country.

But don’t expect winter-like weather just yet. September can still be hot, the difference is that the intense summer heat should slowly begin to lose its grip.

According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, meteorological autumn runs from September 1 to November 30 in the Northern Hemisphere.

So, when does autumn actually begin?

Here’s where it gets slightly confusing. September 1 marks the beginning of meteorological autumn, which is based on calendar months and typical temperature patterns used for climate reporting.

Astronomical autumn arrives later. In the UAE, the autumnal equinox will take place on September 23, at around 4.05am (UAE time).

That’s when the Sun crosses the celestial equator from north to south, officially marking the astronomical start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

When will the UAE start feeling cooler?

The good news is that September should bring a noticeable change.

After months when daytime temperatures frequently reached 42°C or higher, most September days are expected to see highs below 39°C, while overnight temperatures should dip below 27°C.

The cooling trend becomes more noticeable in October, when daytime temperatures are expected to fall below 35°C on most days and nighttime lows could drop below 22°C.

By November, things should feel considerably more comfortable, with daytime temperatures generally below 30°C and nights dropping 18°C below on most days.

By the end of meteorological autumn, temperatures could fall to around 26°C or lower during the day and 15°C at night across much of the UAE.

So while residents shouldn’t pack away the air conditioner just yet, the country’s long, scorching summer is gradually giving way to cooler months.

And for anyone counting down to outdoor season, September is the first hint that better weather is on the way.

Abu Dhabi Police has reminded motorists to come to a complete stop when a school bus extends its side-mounted ‘Stop’ arm, warning that drivers who ignore the rule face a Dh1,000 fine and 10 traffic balck points.

Motorists must also keep a distance of at least 5 metres from the school bus while children are getting on or off.

Police said drivers must not attempt to overtake or pass a school bus when its stop arm is extended, as children may be crossing the road.

The five-metre safety rule is designed to give pupils enough room to cross safely while ensuring they remain visible to approaching motorists and the school bus driver.

Extra caution needed around schools

The reminder comes as schools reopen and thousands of school buses return to roads across Abu Dhabi, leading to heavier traffic around residential communities, school campuses and pick-up and drop-off points.

Police urged drivers to be particularly careful during the busy morning and afternoon school runs, when traffic around schools and buses increases significantly.

Motorists have been advised to slow down, stay alert and follow all traffic rules when approaching school buses.

Dh1,000 fine and 10 black points

Ignoring a school bus stop sign is a serious traffic violation, Abu Dhabi Police said.

Drivers who fail to stop when the bus extends its stop arm can be fined Dh1,000 and receive 10 traffic points.

Police stressed that keeping children safe on the road is a shared responsibility, calling on motorists to remain patient and avoid risky manoeuvres around school buses.

With thousands of children travelling to and from school every day, even a few seconds of caution can make a crucial difference.

The message from police is simple: when a school bus displays its Stop arm, stop, keep your distance and wait until it is safe to move again.

Motorists in the UAE will pay more for petrol and diesel in September, following the latest monthly fuel price announcement by the UAE Fuel Price Committee.

The new rates will take effect on September 1, 2026, with prices rising across all petrol categories as well as diesel.

Super 98 petrol will cost Dh3.80 per litre in September, up from Dh3.60 per litre in August.

Meanwhile, the price of Special 95 petrol has increased from Dh3.49 to Dh3.69 per litre.

E-Plus petrol will be priced at Dh3.61 per litre, compared with Dh3.41 per litre last month.

The biggest jump comes in the price of diesel, which will rise to Dh4.30 per litre in September, up from Dh3.80 per litre in August.

Fuel prices for September

• Super 98: Dh3.80 per litre
• Special 95: Dh3.69 per litre
• E-Plus: Dh3.61 per litre
• Diesel: Dh4.30 per litre

The UAE reviews retail fuel prices every month, with the Fuel Price Committee adjusting rates based on movements and trends in international energy markets.

The revised rates will be applicable at fuel stations across the UAE from September 1.