Autumnal Equinox

Today — September 22, 2017 — at 3:02 p.m. (Central Daylight Time) marks the official arrival of Autumn aka the Autumnal Equinox. Or does it? When the seasons change depends on how you look at it: astronomically or meteorologically. 

Astronomically, the September equinox marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Autumn will be over officially on the Winter Solstice in December. For meteorologists, on the other hand, fall in the Northern Hemisphere begins about 3 weeks before the September equinox on September 1 and ends on November 30. 

Personally I think of fall beginning when kids go back to school. That almost coincides with meteorological autumn. Despite the date, it is very hard to think of the current moment as astronomical autumn either since we've been enjoying day after day of hot sunny weather. I think this is the year that both calculations are wrong. Leaves may be falling, but until the temperatures join them I'm going to keep working in the garden and ignore the whole question.

We set a temperature record on Wednesday when our high for the day was 91 degrees F. 

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

These 90 degree days are hard to take this time of year. The only good thing is that the sun goes down sooner to relieve plants and people. A lot of work going on here too, even though it was 94 yesterday. UGH... You can tell it is autumn due to the long shadows. You look like you are ready to work outside with your hat on.

[Linda Brazill]

By the time I walked around looking at all the things that need attention, I was too hot to do anything but go back inside. We had about half an inch of rain Wed. night but it is so dry it is hard to do much.

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

This is the weirdest S. Wisconsin growing season I can remember. I don't mind the heat, but it's strange and it doesn't seem right. I've been watering and deadheading, but waiting for slightly cooler days to do the strenuous stuff. ;-)

[Linda Brazill]

I was looking forward to it being in the 70s and maybe hitting 80 in Sept., but this is nuts. Can't do anything but water.

[Frank]

I feel the same about the weather. I don't want to do anything outside and even if I did the gnats would drive me insane. If the pool were open I wouldn't halfway mind but without... it's no fun sweating without some fun coming out of it! (I hold similar views towards exercise in general)