What did summer go? All of a sudden, it’s now September. If you are in Manitoba, this means that the air will begin to feel a little cold. The weather is moving towards winter. You will notice that the days are getting shorter. Also, the leaves on the trees and bushes near you are changing. They change from green to other colors. These colors can be red, orange, and yellow.

What is Fall?

If you are like me and you come from a place that is always warm, then you might not know about the season called fall. In North America, fall is also known as autumn. It is one of the four seasons. The other three seasons are winter, spring, and summer. During fall, the weather slowly changes. It goes from an average of 11.8°C to 24.8°C, down to as cold as -1°C to 9.8°C. This change happens from September to November.

The first day of fall has a special name. It is known as the autumnal equinox. On this day, the time of daylight is the same as the time of darkness. This happens because the sun shines directly on the middle of the earth. If you are on the other side of the world, in the Southern part of the world, this day is known as the spring or vernal equinox. In Canada, the autumnal equinox happens around September 22 to 24 every year. You can find more information about this on time and date.com.

If you want to learn more about the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, you can also visit: The timenow.com

Enjoy the cool wind and brace for winter

Fall is a time of fun. The air feels cool and clean. The colors of nature start to change. It’s a great time for long walks and looking at things. Here are some ways to enjoy fall:

1. Enjoy the good weather

   Even though summer has ended, you can still go on trips. Camping in fall is a great way to see the beauty of Manitoba during this season. The cooler weather means there are less bugs. You can sit by the fire with a warm drink. There are also less people on the walking paths and the park fees are cheaper (see Manitoba Parks). Another good reason to be outside is the northern lights. NASA says fall is the start of “aurora season.” The northern lights are bright, moving lights in the night sky. They happen when tiny bits from the sun hit atoms in the Earth’s air, making them light up (What causes the aurora borealis or northern lights?).

2. Start checking the temperature

   Fall is a good time to start looking at the temperature before you go out. It will help you choose the right clothes and outdoor activities. Checking the temperature in the morning is a habit that could help you in winter.

3. Change to fall clothes and prepare winter clothes

   It’s time to put away your shorts, tank tops and flip-flops. Say hello to sweaters, scarves and boots. Wearing layers in the fall is a good idea. You can wear a light sweater over your shirt or blouse. You can take it off later if it gets warm. If it gets a bit cold in the evening, you can add a thick scarf for comfort. Now is also a good time to organize your closet. Start bringing out your thicker clothes so you can get to them easily.

4. Prepare for Thanksgiving and Halloween

   Fall is when the new school year starts. But soon, Thanksgiving (second Monday of October) comes and then Halloween quickly follows. There will be a lot of feasts and parties as these celebrations are times for fun. Get ready with costumes and candy for the kids for Halloween. If you’re worried about kids getting sick (COVID-19 is still here after all), choose costumes with masks built in. They should also carry a hand sanitizer.

5. Make your house ready for the colder months

   This is the best time for home repairs before winter starts. Here are the parts of the house you should check, fix or clean first:

   • Clean your gutters and downspouts. Sweep out all the leaves and stuff that can block your house’s drainage system.
   • Check your heating system if it is working right. You can have it checked by a professional or by your building manager if you live in an apartment.
   • A humidifier will be useful to keep your home comfortable. It stops dry air especially during winter months. Also, check your windows and doors if they close properly. This will help keep warm air inside your house. It will also lower your heating bills.
   • The first Sunday of November is when 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 built up during the summer months from your carpets and other surfaces. This could stop allergies or breathing problems. Make space in your garage to store your summer things like patio furniture, gardening tools, or pool accessories.

 
Article updated August, 22, 2023.