The period when winter starts differ in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere it is from December 20 up to March 21. In the Southern Hemisphere this would be around June 20 and culminates on September 22.

The beginning and end dates may vary a day or two. The coldest month in the Northern Hemisphere is usually January.

Characteristics

The most prevalent trait is cold weather. In countries like the US and Canada, the season is marked by the presence of heavy snowfall. In other countries it is characterized by rain instead. The season is also marked by typhoons and hurricanes in some parts of Asia. When winter starts the nights are longer too. The afternoons are longer and much colder.

Other weather phenomenon associated with this season is ice fog. This can take place when the temperatures go below -25 C or – 20 F. This phenomenon usually takes place in the Northern Hemisphere.

Effect on Animals

Animal behavior is greatly affected by the coming season. One of the most common traits is that of migration. This can be seen in a lot of animals particularly birds. Some species of butterflies also migrate when the season approaches. The migration does not occur among all bird species though.

When winter starts some animals go into hibernation. What these animals do is sleep during the period. This behavior is most apparent in bears. However it can also be seen in other species like snakes, bats and other reptiles.

Changes in animal behavior include accumulation of food. This activity can be seen among squirrels raccoons and beavers. Another sign of the coming season is that the color or fur changes. This can be seen in the snowshoe hare, the white tailed jackrabbit and ptarmigan.

Effects on Plants

With the exception of the flowering plum, almost all plants and flowers perish during this season. Trees lose their leaves and some branches as well. Even when winter starts, the trees will be able to grow leaves again because their roots survive.

Duration

Although the period for the season is defined in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, countries have their own calendars and occasion that state when the season “officially” begins. For instance, in Ireland the season officially commences on the first day of November. In other European countries the season commences on the 11th of November. In China the official date is on the 7th, also in the same month.

In Culture and the Arts

In mythology, the season is traditionally associated with death, spring being the resurrection. This is exemplified in the Greek tale of Persephone. The same theme is used in the poems of Robert Frost and the works of C.S. Lewis and Vivaldi.

Recent studies have also shown that some people are susceptible to disorders brought by the coming of the season. These cases are termed seasonal affective disorders or SAD.

The time when winter starts is different in various parts of the world. Due to the changing climates, the occurrence and duration of the season may gradually be also subject to change soon.

There is no specific time when spring starts. It commences on different times in different parts of the world. However, it can be defined by the events that accompany it.

Basic Definition and Duration

This season takes place after the winter and before summer. Generally the days and nights are nearly equal.

The season commences at the spring equinox and culminates at the summer solstice. This period takes place at different times. In the Northern Hemisphere this can occur from March 21 to June 22. In the Southern Hemisphere the period starts from September 23 to December 22. The movement of the Earth and weather fluctuations are the reasons why there is no definite period when spring starts.

Signs

Although March 21 is usually defined as its starting point, the signs and indications commence days before that. One of the most conspicuous signs will be the sun itself. Regardless of the location the sun will rise earlier, by an hour or so. It will also set about an hour later than usual.

The Sun, Clouds and Air

The sun doesn’t just appear earlier, but it is also much brighter. This has an effect on the air too. As the sun gets brighter the snow dissipates. The air breezes are much stronger. Depending on the continent / region, there may be accompanying rainfall. Climate changes though, can result in occasional snowfall.

When spring starts, cloud formation will also change. The dark grey thunderclouds of winter will be replaced by cumulus clouds.

Plants and Flowers

The season is associated with plant growth and rightly. Most floras grow during this time. Annuals appear and wild onions grow as well. Most flowers, including lilac, start to blossom as well. Flowers like tulips, daffodils and pansies come to bloom as well. Some of these flowers and plants can appear as early as February.

Animal Activity

Other signs are birds. Most birds begin to create their nests. Others begin their flights, including the geese. When spring starts, another conspicuous sign are robins appearing, fluttering and flying around in gardens. Aside from robins, bluebirds also appear.

A trip to the zoo will show that animals resume their activities. In zoos you will see animals soaking up the sun. Even in your homes, dogs and cats will do the same. Going to streams and forests you’ll see animal tracks as well. From coyotes to deer, these tracks will indicate their activities have resumed.

Insects will also become more active. An increase in their activity means the winter is about to end. You’ll likely see them flying around more often.

Trees

Most of the trees start to produce flowers as well. Aside from flowers, the leaves will start to appear. In some trees the flowers would be taken over by leaves. Most of the leaves start to gain their full color at this time.

When spring starts, most cultures look at the season as a time for rebirth, marking it with festivals and celebration. As such, it is probably the most celebrated of the seasons.

The first day of autumn / fall is September 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere it is on March 20. Using astronomical calculations however, it would fall anytime between September 1 to 15. The difference is due to the weather. They tend to lag behind the celestial calculations.

Changes in Temperature

As it follows summer, the most noticeable event will be the drop in temperature. This doesn’t suggest a sudden fall. It is rather a gradual decrease, especially in the mornings. In Florida for example, the mornings will be cooler around mid or late September. But it can also go up a little come October. The full extent of autumn usually doesn’t become evident until well into October in the US.

Changes in the Air

The first day of autumn can also be felt through the air. The heat from the Sun starts to lessen. Going around the city you’ll see the shadows get longer, indicating the coming shorter days. Nature observers also note that the sky turns very blue. The air may have a dry feel. In addition the lowering temperature produces an earthly and pleasant smell among sycamore leaves.

Leaves Changing Color

Other indications of the changing season are the leaves. The vibrant greens that summer produces will turn into varying shades of red, sand and yellow.

In parts of Canada, there’s usually a breeze or chill. This occurs even though the Sun is still very bright. The chill continues to the nighttime. It can also produce some interesting colors in the sky. In some cases the first day of autumn can give the Moon a slightly reddish glow.

Animals

Animal activities also change during the fall. Scrub birds will screech a lot while stocking up food. If there are squirrels around the area, you’ll see them gathering their food supplies as well. It’s not unusual to see them take large amounts of acorn. A lot of squirrels also store nuts.

A lot of animals store food during this period, knowing that winter is approaching. Aside from squirrels, chipmunks also store food. Among birds, it’s customary to gather food for the winter as well. There are also some cats whose fur starts to get thicker in anticipation of the winter.

Signs among People

Some people start to wear jackets and sweaters on the first day of autumn. It’s also customary for some to put up small ornaments indicative of the season.

In the past, fall was associated with the harvesting of fruits. In paintings, the season is often depicted with people gathering fruits and vegetables. Cabbage and pumpkin are particularly ripe at this time.

Other Indications

Birds of different species will usually gather around a single tree as they start to get ready for the cold months. The trees themselves give out signs, most notably turning into a rich brown. Martins, swifts, and other colorful birds also come together. It makes trips to the park at this time very pleasant.

The fall has been associated with melancholy times. But as the signs of the first day of autumn shows, it is actually an enjoyable period.

Formerly recognized as the U.S. Weather Bureau, the National Weather Service is one of the governmental agencies that comprises the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This agency provides climate, hydrologic and weather forecasts to secure people in the country as well as in the other territories of the U.S. In addition, it is also responsible for the protection of properties within the country and nearby ocean areas that are helpful to improve the national economy. Below are important details that are useful to individuals who want to know the date when the National Weather Service was founded. Other relevant details about the service are also discussed.

History

When was the National Weather Service founded? This governmental agency was formed on the ninth day of February in 1870. The objective for establishing the agency was to conduct meteorological analysis at military stations based on U.S. states as well as territories. At this time, President Ulysses S. Grant assigned the Secretary of War to take charge of the tasks and activities of the agency. The name of this institution was given by Brigadier General Albert J. Meyer of the Army Signal Corps.

In 1890, the National Weather Service was recognized as a civilian enterprise. During this year, it was considered as one of the agencies managed by the Department of Agriculture. To improve weather forecasts in the country, a radiosonde was introduced in 1937 in Massachusetts. After three years, the control over the institution was transferred to the Department of Commerce. Since 1940, many advance technologies and equipment were introduced to the institute to enhance climate, hydrologic as well as weather forecasts.

Other Relevant Information About the National Weather Service

To improve the methods used by the National Weather Service in forecasting weather, the agency developed the WSR-88D Doppler weather system (also known as NEXRAD) in the 1980s. A total of 158 NEXRAD systems were deployed in the different base stations of the agency since the 1990s. This technology is very efficient and reliable in identifying intra-cloud movements.

The National Weather Service has faced various challenges and controversies in the past years. In the 1990s, many weather service companies argued that the agency competed with the private weather institutions like AccuWeather. To avoid such complaints, Senator Rick Santorum passed the National Weather Service Duties Act of 2005 to prevent the possibility that the agency provides confidential and private data to other weather agencies. However, this bill was opposed by the clients and officials of the institution. Hence, the proposal was not approved by the Congress.

The length of the summer season is usually three months. This is applicable for both Northern and Southern Hemispheres. However, global warming has been changing the weather patterns in the world.

Northern and Southern Hemisphere

In the Northern Hemisphere it commences on 20 June and ends on September 23. In the Southern Hemisphere it usually commences on 22 December. The end date is usually on the 23rd of March. Due to the rotation of the Earth, when it is summertime in one hemisphere it is winter on the opposite end.

Keep in mind that these dates are only approximations. In some countries, the length of the summer season can be much longer. In some Southeast Asian countries, the season starts in late February and ends in June.

Hot Weather

The most visible and widely felt element of the season is the heat. This is due to the fact that the region is exposed to the Sun. Owing to the tilt and movement of the Earth, the heat differs in the hemispheres and regions. What this means is that some places on Earth are hotter than others. For example, it is usually hotter in the Middle East and India than in America or Europe.

The length of the summer season (three months) is still prevalent in most locations. However some countries experience some rainfall in the early or late periods of the season. For this reason it can sometimes be difficult to determine when the period has concluded. Rather than a specific end date, some countries now use periods to determine its ending (i.e., the hot period ends on the final two weeks of September).

Activities of Animals and Plants

The warm weather is the reason why plant and animal activity are usually at their peak. Various types of flowers, plants and vegetables achieve their full growth at this period. Although spring is when the fruits and flowers start to appear, it is in the warm months that most fruits reach the full growth potential.

Animal activities are also more pronounced during this time. The length of the summer season provides birds plenty of time to hunt for food, create nests and care for their offspring. A trip to forests will reveal that most of the animals resume their activities as well.

Other Signs of the Season

The period is also associated with times of relaxation and fun among people. In the United States and other places it is the time when people head to the beaches. It has also become associated with going to the cinemas.

In other nations, it is the peak of tourist activity. A lot of countries (particularly in Asia) see an increase in tourist arrivals at this time. The reason is that the warm weather entices tourists to visit the beaches or go diving.

While the length of the summer season so far remains constant, it might change. Already, some regions have been experiencing typhoons in the midst of the dry season.

Conversely, some of the warmest days have been recorded during the supposed rainy season. Owing to the fluctuating weather patterns, determining the time when the hottest period will commence may prove more difficult.

The first day of summer occurs on different dates. But whatever the differences in time and location, it always heralds the arrival of the warmest days of the year.

The Dates

It should be stressed that there is no official day when it begins. The ones that are being used are for convenience, due to tradition or meteorological reasons. In the US and other countries in the Northern Hemisphere, the season begins on June 20. In Europe that date is also used as the starting point (although some prefer June 21).

In the Southern Hemisphere it is on December 21. In Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines, the season starts on March 1.

Meteorologists use a different date to find the first day of summer. They calculate it based on the changes in the weather. Both American and European meteorologists state that May 1 is the time. However there are some who believe that it starts on June 1.

Even during ancient times there were no fixed points on when the season began. Although the ancients paid close attention to solstices and equinoxes, no specific date was set when each season began. However the Romans started their year in March, which they viewed as springtime. Summer followed in June, which is what the countries in the Northern Hemisphere use.

High Temperatures

Regardless of when the first day of summer is, the signs are unmistakable. Unlike spring or autumn, summer occurs in most parts of the world. It is also characterized by heat. This isn’t because the Earth has drawn nearer to the Sun. The reason is that the Earth tilts as it spins. When that happens, the Northern or Southern Hemisphere becomes fully exposed to the Sun. The end results are higher temperatures.

How it Affects Wildlife

One of the most conspicuous signs of the season are the emergence of birds. Blackbirds, sparrows and robins spend their time nurturing offspring and building nests. Starlings, woodpeckers and other birds make their presence felt more prominently. Because of the prevailing conditions, it isn’t unusual to hear them chirping well into the nighttime. Bears, deer and other animals in the forests also start to resume their normal activities.

Flowers

The first day of summer signify the time when flowers start to bloom fully. Different regions produce different types of course. In countries at the Northern Hemisphere it isn’t unusual to see roses, elderflowers and various plants emerge.

Among fruits and vegetables, tomatoes grow rapidly during this time. The reason is obvious; plants and flowers get their sustenance from the Sun. It shouldn’t therefore be surprising that they reach their peak at this point.

Human Activities

In Western cultures, summertime has become a period for fun and leisure. It is when kids go on vacation and head to the movies. It’s also the time when trips to beaches and other countries are conducted. Portrayals in TV, movies and books have turned it into a time for adventure, romance and good times.

The first day of summer can mean many things. You can look at it as just another day. But for most, it’s become a time for pure enjoyment.

The time when fall starts is between summer and winter. As with the other seasons, its commencement differs and is based on the hemisphere you are in.

Commencement Dates

In astronomical terms the season begins on September 22 up to November 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. In the United States this would cover the months of September, October and November. In the United Kingdom and other European countries, the season covers the period from August, September and October.

In the Southern Hemisphere the period is reversed. The season extends from March 22 to June 22. These dates are only approximates. For example, in Australia when fall starts it is on
March 1.

Falling Leaves

The most conspicuous sign of the season are the changing color of tree leaves. This is most apparent in Canada and the US. The phenomenon is also observed in China, Korea and several countries in East Asia. The color shifting is also prevalent in other countries like Australia, Japan and Argentina.

As the winter season approaches, the leaves start to fall. Before they do so, the colors change. The colors and hues vary, but their vividness makes them very attractive.

Harvest Time

Harvest and reaping are events associated with the period. It is not unusual that when fall starts, images of fruit gathering come to mind. The reason is that most trees and fruits attain their maximum growth at this point. Indeed, most cultures associate this season with harvest time. Throughout history there have been harvest festivals held during this time.

Another characteristic of the season are longer nights. This is indicative of the coming winter season. As such, when fall starts the mood ascribed to it can be one of melancholy. This outlook can be seen in some literary works.

Autumn or Fall

During olden times the season was just referred to as harvest time. The word “autumn” was derived from a Latin word and was first used in the 12th century. However it did not gain wide usage until the 16th century. By that time the word “fall” and “autumn” came into use. The word fall came from Britain and was carried over to the New World.

Ironically enough the term was replaced by autumn in Europe but fall remained in use in the US. Even in America though, the term “autumn” is used when discussing the matter scientifically. For laymen though, the phrase “when fall starts” is most frequently used.

Depictions in Art and Culture

Most literary works also used the word autumn instead. As stated, the mood is often subdued. In the works of Rilke and Yeats, it is associated with the end of youth. In Keats’ works the season is also noted for being a time of reflection as well.

Aside from harvest festivals, the season also marks the Halloween season. The period was also known as the Samhain, an important event among the ancient Celts. Other festivals take place at this time in other parts of the world too.

The time when fall starts has been viewed both a time for harvest and also the coming coldness of winter. Increasingly though it has come to be known worldwide for being an integral part of the cycle of seasons.

The period when summer starts is June 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. It concludes on the 23rd of September. In the Southern Hemisphere it begins around December 22 and ends on March 23.

Main Characteristic

Its most conspicuous element is that days are longer and it is very warm. It is the hottest of all four seasons. The reason is that as the Earth tilts, one half (the Northern or Southern Hemisphere) is fully exposed to the sun. The result is the warm weather and climate. Depending on the region, the period may also reduce the moisture in the air. The end result is that when summer starts, the air will have a “dry” feel to it.

Different Periods

Because they are on opposite ends, the summer or hottest months in one hemisphere will be the coldest in the other. So the warm months of June, July and August in the United States are the coldest in lower South America and Australia. The metrological aspects of summer usually begin earlier than the astronomical one.

It is also worth noting that the midway point is marked by the equinoxes and solstices. This is contrary to most solstices are the beginning. Aside from the equinoxes and the solstices, special occasions mark its beginnings. This is exemplified in the US. The time when summer starts “officially” is on Memorial Day. This takes place on the final Monday of May.

Effects on Plants and Flowers

There are various signs that the season is at hand. Flowers and fruits bloom or reach their peak. Among flowers, the elderflowers emerge fully. So do the Zepherine Drouhin, a kind of rose. This flower is one of the fastest to blossom during the season.

Among plants, the Geraniums spread very quickly. They can easily cover a wide surface quite easily. The tomato grows the fastest at this time. Depending on the region it can grow several inches in a few weeks. Irises also expand rapidly.

Effect on Animals

Birds generally flourish and come together when summer starts. Blackbirds spend the time caring for and nurturing the young. It is also common to see sparrows gather at the honeysuckle. Other birds that thrive in this period are starlings. In the United States, it is common to hear robins chirping until past eight in the evening. They are usually around lilacs and other flowers which are blooming.

Trees and Foliage

In parts of the Northern Hemisphere the season can experience some rainfall. In the forests most of the animals, from coyotes to foxes and deer frolic. Usually the leaves and foliage appear in various shades.

Other Indications

In terms of human activity it is the time when people go to beaches or venture to island resorts for vacations. In cultural terms, it is the period when most people go to the movies and relax.

A lot of activities take place when summer starts. These include summer school, going on trips or other sporting events. Whatever the variations in duration, its arrival heralds a period of activity for man and nature.