This article clarifies the difference between meteorological and astronomical definitions of winter, explaining why meteorologists consider winter to begin on December 1st, three weeks before the astronomical start. It highlights the consistency of meteorological seasons based on temperature changes and compares it to the astronomical seasons which are based on Earth's position relative to the sun.
Many across the Northern Hemisphere have different opinions about when winter officially begins. Yet meteorologists have remained consistent about when the season actually starts in December. Calendars found in homes across the country usually say winter begins on Dec.
21, when in reality the season starts three weeks earlier on Dec. 1.Meteorologists and climatologists define the seasons based on when temperatures typically change, not on Earth’s rotation.According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , the length of meteorological seasons is more consistent than that of the astronomical seasons, ranging from 90 days for the winter of a non-leap year to 92 days for spring and summer.Under the meteorological season scheme, the four seasons are each allotted three months, making it easier to calculate and compare weather conditions in recent years.The difference with astronomical seasons is that the start of winter and summer is based on whether the North Pole is oriented toward or away from the sun due to Earth’s natural tilt.WHAT IS THE POLAR VORTEX?The astronomical change of seasons is marked by either a solstice or an equinox, according to NOAA. When the Earth’s axis isn’t tilted in favor of either direction, it is referred to as an equinox or the start of spring or fall.ARCTIC BLAST TO CHILL OVER 235 MILLION AS AIR FROM POLAR VORTEX SURGES ACROSS USThe rotation of Earth around the sun and the planet’s tilt are the basis for the astronomical calendar.NOAA says the meteorological seasons were created to accommodate the consistent changes required by the astronomical calendar, so do not be alarmed when FOX Weather meteorologists say winter has finally begun on Dec. 1. Meteorological winter runs from December 1 to February 28, which tends to be a better fit for the coldest time of the year than astronomical winter.Read more from FOX Weather
Winter Meteorology Astronomy Seasons NOAA
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
When is the official start of winter? Here's why meteorological winter begins on December 1Calendars found in homes across the country usually say winter begins on Dec. 21, when in reality the season starts three weeks earlier on Dec. 1.
Read more »
Chicago begins towing cars with winter overnight parking ban in effectViolators will be towed and ticketed, with a $150 towing fee, a $60 ticket and a storage fee of $25 a day
Read more »
Last day of Thanksgiving travel surge comes with winter weatherAn expected 166,000 passengers are expected to pass through SEA airport on Monday, the last day of the Thanksgiving travel surge.
Read more »
These 21 Comfy Winter Dresses Are Mega Slimming — From $9Holy flattering! These Amazon dresses are comfy and slimming from every angle. See our favorites for errands, weddings and more — details!
Read more »
Philly awaits its first winter storm of the season, but hold the panicAnother storm threat may loom for the weekend as the meteorological winter gets off to a brisk start.
Read more »
Meteorological winter begins Dec. 1 as Western WA braces for colder weatherTed Buehner is a longtime meteorologist expert for the Pacific Northwest.
Read more »