It is the time of year for scarves and cosy blankets – at least, that’s what some people think
September has arrived, and with it, a change of seasons(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
With August behind us, many people are already embracing the start of autumn: pulling out their jumpers, lighting spiced candles, and decorating their homes with pumpkins. And with the leaves turning and rain settling in, it certainly feels like autumn in the UK. But, surprisingly, we’re still in summer – at least, according to the astronomical calendar.
According to the Met Office, there are actually two ways to define the seasons, astronomical and meteorological, and they don’t always match up.
Meteorologists define summer as running from June, 1 to August, 31 based on the calendar year. The year is divided into four seasons, each made up of three full months – spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February).
This method makes it easier for weather experts to compare data and track seasonal patterns, which is why the meteorological autumn begins on September, 1.
Astronomical seasons, on the other hand, are based on Earth’s position in its orbit around the Sun, influenced by the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth’s axis. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here
This tilt causes the angle of sunlight to change throughout the year, bringing us longer, warmer days in summer and shorter, colder days in winter. When the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, we experience summer. As it begins to tilt away, autumn begins.
According to this system, summer starts at the summer solstice (around June 20 to 21) and ends at the autumn equinox (around September 21-22). So, while it might look and feel like autumn outside, astronomical summer continues until 22 September 2025.
Here’s how the upcoming astronomical summer dates line up:
2023: June, 21 – September, 23
2024: June, 20 – September,22
2025: June, 21 – September, 22
So while many are already hitting play on that Gilmore girls rewatch while reaching for their scarves and swapping iced drinks for hot ones, technically, the UK is still in summer – but it’s just for a few more weeks.