Where did summer go? Suddenly it’s September and in Manitoba, this means you will start to feel a slight chill in the air. As the weather shifts to winter, you will notice that the length of daylight becomes shorter. Also, the leaves of trees and shrubs around you change from green to various shades of red, orange, and yellow.

What is fall?

If you come from the tropics like me, then fall is new to you. Also known as autumn in North America, fall is one of the four seasons, the rest being winter, spring and summer. The weather gradually shifts from average temperatures of 11.8°C to 24.8°C, to as low as -1°C to 9.8°C from September to November.

The first day of fall is called the autumnal equinox. This is the day when the length of daylight is equal to darkness (with the sun shining directly on the equator). For those on the opposite side of the globe (Southern hemisphere), this is known as the spring (or vernal) equinox. Autumnal equinox in Canada happens around September 22 to 24 of every year (time and date.com).

To know more about vernal and autumnal equinoxes, you can also go to: The timenow.com.

Enjoy the cool wind and brace for winter

Fall is actually enjoyable. With the crisp, fresh air, and the changing colours of nature, it is the perfect time for long walks and sight-seeing. Here are some suggestions to enjoy fall:

1. Take advantage of the mild weather

   Just because summer is over doesn’t mean that road tripping season is done. Fall camping is a great opportunity for you to enjoy the beauty of Manitoba in this season. The cooler weather also means less bugs and more reason to stay by the campfire with a mug of hot cocoa. Take advantage of less crowded trails and lower provincial park fees in the fall (check Manitoba Parks).

   Another great reason to be outdoors is the northern lights. According to NASA, fall is the start of “aurora season.” Aurora borealis or northern lights is a gorgeous display of bright, swirling lights in the night sky. This natural phenomenon is caused by charged particles from the sun striking atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing them to light up (What causes the aurora borealis or northern lights?).

2. Start checking the temperature

   Fall is the perfect time to start the habit of checking the temperature before you leave the house. This will help you figure out what clothes to wear, well as the activities you can do outdoors. Checking the temperature at the start of the day is a habit that will save you in winter.

3. Shift to fall clothing and get winter clothes ready

   Time to store your shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops and say hello to sweaters, scarves, and boots. Layering your clothes in the fall is a good practice. You can wear a cardigan or light sweater on top of your shirt or blouse. It will be easy to remove it later in the day if it gets warm. If it gets a little chilly in the evening, you can just add a thick scarf for comfort.

   Now is also a good time to re-arrange your closet. Start bringing out your thicker clothes so you can access them easily when the cold weather starts.

4. Prepare for Thanksgiving and Halloween

   Fall is the start of the new school year. But before you know it, Thanksgiving (second Monday of October) sneaks up on you and then Halloween quickly follows. Expect a lot of feasts and parties as these celebrations are marked with merry-making.

   Get ready with costumes for the kids for Halloween. Also prepare sweets and other goodies for the neighbourhood kids for trick-or-treating.

5. Get your house ready for the colder months

   This is the best time for home for repairs before the onset of winter. Here are the areas of the house you should prioritize for inspection, repair or cleaning:

• Clean your gutters and downspouts. Sweep out all the leaves and debris that can clog your house’s drainage system.
• Check if your heating system is working properly. You can have it done by a professional or by your building superintendent if you live in an apartment.
• A humidifier will be useful to keep your home comfortable. It prevents dry air especially during winter months. Also, check your windows and doors if they are sealed properly when closed. This will help keep warm air inside your house. It will also lower your heating bills.
• The first Sunday of November is the time you adjust your clocks to mark the end of Daylight Saving Time. It would also be a good time to change the batteries of your smoke detectors and other house alarms.
• A general cleanup is recommended. Vacuum dust which may have accumulated during the summer months from your carpets and other surfaces. This could prevent allergies or respiratory problems. Make space in your garage to store your summer gear like patio furniture, gardening tools, or pool accessories.

 
Article updated August 7, 2024.