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.

UAE residents can expect very hot weather, rising humidity and possible fog or mist in the coming days, with a chance of rainfall over eastern areas.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), skies will remain fair to partly cloudy, with convective clouds potentially developing over eastern areas in the afternoon and bringing rain.

Humidity is expected to increase overnight and on Tuesday morning, particularly over some western coastal areas. This could lead to fog or mist and reduced visibility.

Motorists have been advised to take extra care during early morning drives and adjust their speed when visibility is poor.

Temperatures approach 50°C

Meanwhile, daytime temperatures will remain exceptionally high across the country. Coastal areas are expected to reach 40°C to 45°C, while temperatures in inland areas could climb to 49°C.

Light winds and calm seas

Winds are expected to be light to moderate, becoming fresh at times. Sea conditions will remain slight, with waves reaching around two feet onshore and three feet offshore.

With extreme daytime heat continuing alongside higher humidity and possible fog, residents are advised to plan outdoor activities carefully and exercise caution on the roads during periods of reduced visibility.

UAE residents looking for something to do after sunset can turn their eyes to the sky tonight as the Perseids meteor shower makes an appearance.

For the best chance of seeing the celestial display, darker locations away from the bright lights of the cities could be worth the drive. The UAE’s mountainous areas, including Jebel Jais and Jebel Hafeet, are among the cooler options for spending an evening outdoors.

The meteor shower arrives as the country experiences another hot summer day, with temperatures expected to reach 45°C in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Umm Al Quwain.

Where can you watch the shower in the UAE?

The UAE’s mountainous regions can offer more favourable conditions for stargazing because they are farther from urban light pollution.

Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain are two popular options for those looking to escape the city lights and watch the night sky.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) expects temperatures in mountainous areas to remain comparatively lower, at around 32°C to 38°C.

If you’re planning to watch from a remote location, choose an established and safe viewing area, and check conditions before setting out.

Chances of rain in the east

While the skies may be the main attraction tonight, the weather earlier in the day could be less predictable in parts of eastern UAE.

The NCM forecasts fair to partly cloudy conditions, with the possibility of convective clouds developing over eastern areas during the afternoon.

That could bring rainfall to places such as Fujairah, Kalba and Khor Fakkan.

Sea conditions remain slight

The NCM expects slight sea conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

Anyone planning marine activities should check the latest official forecast before heading out.

So while the UAE remains firmly in summer mode, tonight offers residents a chance to swap city lights for the night sky and look out for the Perseids.