But then they came from a meteorologist’s point of view.

The length of the meteorological seasons is also more consistent, ranging from 90 days for winter of a non-leap year to 92 days for spring and summer.īy following the civil calendar and having less variation in season length and season start, it becomes much easier to calculate seasonal statistics from the monthly statistics, both of which are very useful for agriculture, commerce, and a variety of other purposes. Meteorological observing and forecasting led to the creation of these seasons, and they are more closely tied to our monthly civil calendar than the astronomical seasons are. So yes, today is the first day of Spring here in South Africa… if you’re using the Meteorological Calendar.Īnd why would you do that? Well, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a few good reasons: Meteorological seasons revolve around what’s happening with the weather on Earth, primarily viewed through temperature cycles, while Astronomical seasons are based on what’s happening in space and where the sun is relative to the Earth. September 22nd is the first day of Astronomical Spring ( sort of, anyway see below). September 1st is the first day of Meteorological Spring.

There are two first days of Spring, depending upon which definition you use.

Today is the first day of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere.Īnd it’s also not the first day of Spring.

First day of spring