When does spring start? The spring equinox is closer than you might think

Ready for winter to end? You're in luck: Spring officially starts next week.

The astronomical change of seasons is marked by solstices or equinoxes. In the case of spring, the season starts with the spring, or vernal, equinox.

Here's everything to know about the start of spring and the vernal equinox.

When does spring start in 2024?

According to the Almanac, the astronomical start of spring this year is Tuesday, March 19. If that sounds early, it's because it is: Over the last few years, the spring equinox has landed on March 20. The last time spring started on March 19 was 2020.

The meteorological start of spring was March 1.

What's the difference between meteorological and astronomical seasons?

Astronomical seasons are based on the Earth's position in relation to the sun. The changing seasons are marked by solstices or equinoxes.

The meteorological start of the season is based on annual temperature cycles and the 12-month calendar. This system is mainly used by meteorologists.

April is the first full month of spring based on the astronomical seasons. March is the first full month of spring based on the meteorological seasons.

When is the spring equinox in 2024?

The spring, or vernal, equinox occurs Tuesday, March 19, at 11:06 p.m. ET.

This equinox happens when the sun, traveling from south to north, crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary plane that extends out into space from the Earth’s equator.

During the spring equinox, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres get around the same amounts of sunlight before spring starts in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn begins in the Southern Hemisphere.

What is an equinox?

The word equinox is derived from the Latin words for "equal night." During an equinox, the length of the day and night are nearly the same around the world.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Spring starts with the vernal equinox next week. Here's what to know