What’s the difference between astronomical and meteorological seasons?
We’re just days away from the spring equinox – it arrived Sunday, March 20, 2022.
However, was it already spring? Some meteorologists and climatologists may have considered March 1 the start of the spring season.
The difference is that the spring equinox is an astronomical season, while March 1 would be considered the start of the meteorological season.
So, what’s the difference between the two?
Astronomical seasons, which include the solstices and the equinoxes, are based on Earth’s position and tilt around the sun, and when the sun’s rays are directly overhead at the equator, Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn during different points in the year.
Meteorological seasons are based on annual temperature cycles following our calendar, broken down into threemonth increments.
For example, we know that typically our warmest temperatures in summer occur in June, July and August, which is meteorological summer.
Our coldest temperatures in winter happen in December, January and February during meteorological winter.
Forecasters and climatologists use this because the length of a meteorological season is more consistent than an astronomical season. Since the dates of astronomical seasons vary each year, it would be tough to keep accurate climate averages for each season.
Let’s just hope the winterlike temperatures stay behind us after the spring equinox.
DID YOU KNOW?
The sun is directly overhead at the equator during high noon on the spring and autumnal equinoxes.
The sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer during the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
Meanwhile, the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn during the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.