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Autumn Begins at Today’s Equinox, Distinct From the Meteorological Start

Earth’s tilt sets the equinox, a celestial marker distinct from the fixed meteorological season.

Overview

  • astronomical autumn starts today with the Sun positioned over the equator, whereas meteorological autumn has run since 1 September in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • at the equinox the Northern and Southern Hemispheres receive roughly equal sunlight, bringing spring to the south as days shorten in the north.
  • day and night are nearly, not exactly, equal because atmospheric refraction makes sunrise appear earlier and sunset later than the geometric times.
  • the equinox carries cultural resonance in some countries, including Japan where Shūbun no Hi is observed with family visits and reflection.
  • regional forecasters in Flevoland report a cool, mostly dry week near 18°C by day and 8–10°C at night, after a wetter‑than‑average September with around 95–102 mm recorded at local stations.