ORLANDO, FL – It’s that time of year again!
Fall is here, but did you know there are two ways to mark its arrival?
Let’s break down the difference between meteorological fall and astronomical fall.
What is meteorological fall?
Meteorological fall kicked off on Sept. 1. Unlike astronomical fall, meteorologists use a fixed calendar for seasons.
What is astronomical fall?
Astronomical fall starts when the autumnal equinox occurs — this year on Sept. 22. It’s the moment when day and night are perfectly balanced.
Meteorological vs. astronomical fall
- Meteorological fall: Sept 1 – Nov. 30
- Astronomical fall: From the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22) to the Winter Solstice (Dec. 21)
Astronomically, it lasts between 89.8 and 93 days, depending on the year and hemisphere, while meteorologically, it is always 91 days. This applies to the Northern Hemisphere.
In Central Florida, fall feels a little different. Expect mild mornings and warm afternoons, even though the season is not officially here!
While most places are cooling off, Central Florida stays warm for a while:
- Warm days in the 80s and 90s
- Cooler nights dipping into the 60s and 70s
- And of course, it’s still hurricane season!
Meteorological fall helps meteorologists track weather patterns more accurately. With a fixed start date, it’s easier for them to forecast and track temperature trends!