Fall Equinox 2026: What it means and when it happens
While many parts of the country are still experiencing hot weather, it’s comforting to know cooler temperatures could be on the way with the changing times. Today (Tuesday, September 22, 2026) marks the Fall Equinox, or the official beginning of astronomical autumn, in the Northern Hemisphere. This means sweaters, pumpkin-flavored snacks , and cozy fires can’t be too far away. (The opposite is…
On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Fall Equinox signifies the official start of astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. This seasonal transition brings cooler temperatures, cozy sweaters, pumpkin-flavored treats, and inviting fires. Meteorologists and astronomers measure seasons differently. Meteorologists divide the year into calendar months, while astronomers consider the Earth's position relative to the sun.
The Earth's 23.4-degree axial tilt causes the seasons as it orbits the sun. At the fall equinox, neither hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, and the celestial equator crosses directly overhead. At 8:05 p.m. ET, the exact moment of the Fall Equinox occurs, marking the gradual shift in daylight hours. As winter looms, remember to bundle up and enjoy the change of the seasons.
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