TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As summer winds down, the Northern Hemisphere enters a new season, bringing cooler temperatures, shorter days and the gradual transformation of landscapes across much of the United States. The seasonal shift officially arrives with the fall equinox, marking the beginning of astronomical autumn.
What is the fall equinox?
According to USA Today, the fall equinox, also known as the autumnal or September equinox, marks the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when the center of the Sun crosses the plane of Earth's equator, resulting in nearly equal day and night.
Unlike the summer or winter solstice, both fall and spring equinoxes have more daylight. Usually, the summer solstice marks the longest day, while the winter solstice marks the longest night of the year.
When fall equinox begin?
In 2026, the fall equinox will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 8:05 p.m. ET, according to NASA. The equinox typically falls between Sept. 22 and Sept. 24.
In a year, there are two equinoxes. The first is in early March, marking the beginning of spring. The second is in September, marking the first day of fall.
When will leaves start changing color?
Across the U.S., leaves are expected to begin changing color from late September through mid-October. In parts of southern California and most of the South, the change may not arrive until November, while some areas of southern California, southern Texas and most of Florida may not see changing leaves until December.
When winter officially arrives?
Fall will eventually give way to winter on Monday, Dec. 21, at 10:03 a.m. ET, when the winter solstice marks the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The winter solstice is also the shortest day of the year, after which daylight gradually begins to increase.
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