We Brits had a pretty good summer this year, but September is just around the corner. Summer is (mostly) behind us, and it’s time to look to the future, AKA: autumn.
If your favourite time of year is when you can wear a scarf with a light jacket, go buy a spiced chai latte and carve a pumpkin, we’ve got great news, because we are mere days away from autumn (or three weeks away, depending on your definition).
No, we’re not actually there yet, although we don’t blame you if the chilly breezes and browning leaves fooled you. We’re actually having what meteorologists refer to as a ‘false autumn’, a premature change in the seasons which is a result of unusually hot temperatures throughout spring and summer. Real, actual autumn, however, isn’t far away.
There are two different beginnings of the season: the meteorological start, and the astronomical start. The former is what weather experts and scientists use as it is always on the same date, September 1, which allows for easier tracking of seasonal statistics across multiple years.
Astronomical autumn, however, begins on the autumn equinox, when day and night are the same length, and changes depending on the Earth’s orbit. This is what most of us are referring to when we’re talking about the start of the season.
Here’s what you need to know to properly prepare for the imminent arrival of autumn, whichever system you subscribe to.
What date does autumn start?
As we already explained, the meteorological autumn always begins on September 1, which is on a Monday this year. If you’re looking for the perfect time to start that new hobby/workout plan/generally turn your life around, a Monday which is the first of a month and the first day of a new season is as good as it gets.
The autumn equinox, which marks the start of non-sciencey autumn, falls on September 22 this year, which is also a Monday. Astronomically, the season lasts until the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year, and is on December 21 this year, although meteorologists recognise December 1 as the end of autumn.
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