The first day of spring is finally here.
While temperatures are sizzling and flowers have begun to bloom, the first official day of spring is marked by the spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox. It happens when the sun shines directly on the Earth’s equator, giving us nearly equal amounts of day and night. The amount of daylight each day will continue to increase until the summer solstice (which happens in June), according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Here’s what to know about the first day of spring.
When is the first day of Spring 2026?
In 2026, the March equinox happens on 8:46 a.m. MT/9:46 a.m. CT on Friday, March 20. This marks the astronomical beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
What time does spring start today?
In 2026, the March equinox happens on 8:46 a.m. MT/9:46 a.m. CT on Friday, March 20.
What is the vernal equinox?
On the March equinox, the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere receive roughly equal amounts of sunlight; neither hemisphere is tilted more toward or away from the Sun than the other, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. On the equinox, the length of day and night is nearly equal in all parts of the world.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Is today the first day of spring? What time does spring arrive today?
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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