When will it feel like fall? Understanding seasonal shifts in the Big Country

The changing of seasons is a fascinating phenomenon marked by specific dates known as solstices and equinoxes. These astronomical events signify the changing of seasons, driven by the tilt of the Earth. However, entering a new season astronomically doesn’t mean we’ll immediately feel those seasonal shifts. The transition between seasons is gradual, often taking weeks or even months to become fully noticeable.

Another important aspect to consider is the distinction between astronomical and meteorological seasons. While astronomical seasons start on specific dates — like summer beginning on June 21st (this year was June 20th due to leap year) — meteorological seasons start at the beginning of the month. For instance, summer meteorologically starts on June 1. The meteorological calendar is based on annual temperature cycles, which can be confusing to the public. So, most people tend to follow the astronomical markers.

But how long does it take for temperatures to align with the feel of a new season? Each region of the U.S. experiences these transitions at different times. In Texas, particularly in the Big Country, we often see seasonal changes a bit later due to our southern location and typically warmer climate. After the astronomical start of fall, we generally start to notice ‘fall-like’ temperatures by mid to late October.

This aligns perfectly with our current forecasts, as temperatures are beginning to cool down this week due to not one but two cold fronts. By Wednesday, that second front will move through the Big Country, cooling temperatures down significantly — the high temperature on Wednesday is 72 degrees! Temperatures will remain below average for the remainder of the week and heading into the weekend, leaving us with those fall-like feels we’ve been craving.

The transition into fall usually begins in August and September, following the peak heat of July, when temperatures can soar. This year was especially notable, with an extreme high of 113 degrees in August. Yet, as we know, weather patterns can vary significantly from year to year due to climate factors such as El Niño and La Niña.

As we progress further into fall and approach November, we begin to see winter’s chill creeping in, with colder ‘winter-like’ temperatures usually settling in by December. The transition from winter to spring is particularly beautiful, characterized by crisp, cool air and the first signs of blooming flowers. This shift typically starts in late February and into March, with warmer temperatures emerging by the end of March and into April. That’s when we kick off severe weather season, as those warm temperatures create the perfect conditions for thunderstorms.

Ultimately, while we can outline these transitions, the weather can be unpredictable. We might experience a sudden heat wave a week early or a surprising cold snap right on schedule. This variability is part of what makes tracking seasonal changes so intriguing!

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