Spring Begins with Vernal Equinox on March 20 Friday, March 20, marks the official start of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere, as the vernal equinox occurs at 10:46 a.m. EDT. This event signals the transition from winter to spring, bringing nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness across the globe. The National Weather Service notes that Michigan will experience cloudy skies and a chance of rain or snow on the day of the equinox, though spring’s arrival is expected to bring warmer temperatures and blooming flowers in the coming weeks. The vernal equinox, also known as the spring equinox, occurs when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in nearly equal daylight and darkness at all latitudes. This phenomenon happens twice annually, once in spring and once in autumn. The term “equinox” originates from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night), reflecting the balance of day and night during this time. While the vernal equinox officially begins spring on March 20, meteorological spring is considered to start on March 1 according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. This distinction arises because meteorological seasons are based on temperature patterns rather than astronomical events. For weather forecasting purposes, March 1 is treated as the start of spring, aligning with the typical shift in seasonal weather trends. In Michigan, the amount of daylight on Friday will vary depending on geographic location. Areas further east or north may experience longer daylight hours compared to those in the west or south. The National Weather Service highlights that the equinox marks a pivotal moment in the calendar year, though local weather conditions can still fluctuate in the days leading up to spring’s full arrival.#spring #national_weather_service #michigan #vernal_equinox #old_farmer_s_almanac
