Having enjoyed such a warm, sunny weekend in Lytham St. Anne’s, the question being asked is ‘Is It Spring’? There are two answers to this question as the beginning of Spring has two dates, depending on which calendar you look at
In terms of the meteorological calendar, Spring starts today, 1st March, 2021.
This is because the meteorological calendar marks the seasons in four equal periods, each with three months. So, according to this calendar spring begins on 1st March, 2021, lasting until 31st May, 2021.
The Meteorological Office explains, ‘These seasons are split to coincide with our Gregorian calendar, making it easier for meteorological observing and forecasting to compare seasonal and monthly statistics.’
The seasons are:
- Spring – March, April, May
- Summer – June, July, August
- Autumn – September, October, November
- Winter – December, January, February
However, the astronomical calendar marks the start of the seasons in a different way.
Astronomical seasons go by the position of Earth’s orbit in relation to the Sun – marking equinoxes and solstices. Since the seasons vary in length, the start date of a new season can fall on different days each year. According to the astronomical calendar, Spring this year starts on Saturday, 20th March 20 and ends on Monday, 21st june.
