Meteorologists Celebrate Spring on March 1

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As the calendar flips to March, meteorologists in the Northern Hemisphere are welcoming the start of spring, even though astronomical spring doesn't arrive until later in the month. Meteorologists follow a different seasonal calendar than the astronomical one, marking the start of spring on March 1 each year.

Why it matters

The difference between meteorological and astronomical seasons can cause some confusion, as the public may not be aware that meteorologists use a different system to define the start of the seasons. Understanding the rationale behind the meteorological calendar can help explain why spring is celebrated earlier in some contexts.

The details

Meteorological spring is defined as the three-month period from March 1 to May 31, while astronomical spring is based on the position of the Earth in relation to the sun and occurs on the spring equinox, which typically falls around March 20. Meteorologists prefer the meteorological calendar because it aligns better with annual temperature and weather patterns, making it a more practical system for forecasting and record-keeping purposes.

• Meteorological spring begins on March 1 each year.
• Astronomical spring occurs on the spring equinox, typically around March 20.

What they’re saying