Autumnal Equinox Brings Uneven Cooling, Regional Weather

The autumnal equinox on Sept. 22–23 officially begins fall across the Northern Hemisphere, producing roughly equal day and night and initiating gradually shorter days and a broad cooling trend, meteorologists say. Regional impacts vary: the UAE is already seeing temperatures fall below 40°C with cooler northwesterly winds, occasional dust, light rain and rougher seas in the Arabian Gulf, while Portland is expected to see a milder, wetter season and Las Vegas will remain warm initially with increasing cloud cover and late-week shower chances. South Florida should see lingering humidity, clouds and isolated showers with highs near 90°F, and many inland U.S. areas will start warm and sunny with morning fog before fronts bring cooling. Beyond weather, retailers and cultural institutions are shifting toward autumn patterns — demand for spiced drinks and apples is rising and seasonal schedules for attractions are changing. Forecasters stress the transition will be gradual and uneven, producing a mix of sunshine, fog and isolated showers alongside an overall trend toward cooler, wetter conditions over the coming weeks.