UAE Records Lowest Temperature of 18.6ºC as Autumn Begins

Temperatures in the United Arab Emirates have dropped below 20ºC in some areas, signaling the onset of autumn. On Monday, September 28, the National Centre of Meteorology reported the lowest temperature of 18.6ºC at 6 a.m. in Raknah, Al Ain.

This temperature decline coincides with the autumnal equinox on September 23, marking the official end of summer and the start of a gradual shift toward cooler weather. Earlier in the month, on September 18, the UAE recorded a similar low of 18.8ºC just days before the equinox.

As autumn advances, temperatures are expected to continue decreasing gradually. Early in the season, daytime highs may reach up to 39ºC with lows around 26ºC. By early November, temperatures are projected to range between 31ºC during the day and 18ºC at night. Toward the end of the season, around the winter solstice on December 22, highs will drop to approximately 25ºC and lows to 13ºC.

The cooler temperatures will also bring an increased likelihood of early morning fog, particularly in the first half of autumn, along with rising humidity levels.

Residents can anticipate a gradual transition into winter, with autumn beginning warm but progressively becoming cooler.

Increased Rainfall Expected from October

As the UAE enters its cooler and wetter months, meteorologist Ahmed Habib from the National Centre of Meteorology indicated that rainfall may exceed average levels from October through January. He stated, "Some models indicate that rainfall will be higher than average in the coming months, from October and November until January," while noting that exact amounts cannot be predicted with certainty.

This forecast comes amid growing attention on the El Niño climate pattern, characterized by unusually warm surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Although El Niño can affect global weather patterns, its presence does not necessarily result in extreme weather in the UAE.