The 'Al Wasmi' season in the UAE is set to commence in mid-October and will extend until December 6, ushering in one of the most beloved and favorable periods in the Arab calendar, distinguished by its moderate temperatures.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and a member of the Arab Union for Space Sciences and Astronomy, highlighted that Al Wasmi succeeds the 'Safri' season and signifies the onset of autumn as the star 'Suhail' ascends, marking the end of intense heat. Throughout Al Wasmi, daytime temperatures moderate, while nights start to feel cooler, particularly from dawn onwards. As the season advances, nights grow even cooler, and daytime temperatures also decrease. The conclusion of Al Wasmi on December 6 heralds the beginning of winter, initiating the colder months and the first indications of winter.
Al Jarwan elucidated that Bedouins traditionally gauge the alignment of Suhail and Sirius above the southern horizon at dawn to identify the start of Al Wasmi. This season is notably advantageous for agriculture, as the temperate conditions—ranging from 30°C to 34°C during the day and dipping to between 12°C and 18°C at night—foster optimal plant growth. Moreover, the rains that accompany Al Wasmi are particularly beneficial for the land, as reduced evaporation rates aid in replenishing groundwater reserves. Clouds may start to form from the north in the days preceding Al Wasmi, and any rain that falls before the season—referred to as 'preceding the Wasm'—usually occurs within ten days of its commencement.
