Introduction to Spring
With sunshine raining down on North Texas this week and highs pushing into the 80s, many in the Dallas-Fort Worth area may be anticipating the official arrival of spring and its regularly warmer temperatures. Never fear, those pleasant days are likely only a few weeks away.
Here’s what to know.
When is the First Day of Spring?
The first day of spring is marked by the vernal, or spring, equinox. The equinox occurs when there is nearly an equal amount of day and darkness at all latitudes across the planet, according to the National Weather Service.
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This year, the spring equinox will be March 20 at 4:01 a.m., to be precise.
What Causes the Seasons?
The tilt of the earth’s axis causes the Northern Hemisphere to experience seasons. As the planet completes a full revolution around the sun (which takes about 365 days), the tilt of the earth does not change orientation, meaning that at times the region is angled closer to the sun (summer) and farther away (winter).
Related: Ozone season has begun in North Texas. What does that mean for the air quality?
The peaks of those two periods are referred to as the solstices, which mark the longest and shortest days of the year. The spring and autumn equinoxes are the halfway point between the solstices.
Will Dallas-Fort Worth See More Rain in the Spring?
Spring and fall tend to be the wettest seasons in North Texas, according to the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office. Inside of that pattern, there is still a lot of variation in annual rainfall, and it’s too early to tell where 2025 will fall.
2024 saw the eighth wettest spring on record, with 19.93 inches of rainfall between March and May.
How Long Until North Texas is Hot?
How early the scorching summer heat moves in depends on several factors, including the amount of rainfall the region receives.
“If we have a lot of spring rainfall, it delays the summer heat and can even reduce the summer temperatures overall when we have green vegetation,” Daniel Huckaby, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, previously told The Dallas Morning News.
The weather service notes that while the longest day of the year may fall in June, there is usually a lag between the longest day of the year and the hottest one.
On average, Dallas-Fort Worth experiences one and a half 100-degree days in June, when the summer solstice falls. By comparison, the region usually gets ten 100-degree days in August, even though the days are already getting shorter.
Understanding the Seasons and Weather Patterns
To better understand the seasons and weather patterns, it’s essential to consider the Earth’s rotation and orbit around the sun. The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees, which means that different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.
During the spring equinox, the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt towards the sun, resulting in longer days and warmer temperatures. As the season progresses, the days continue to get longer, and the temperatures rise, eventually leading to the hot summer months.
Preparation for Spring and Summer
As the weather warms up, it’s crucial to prepare for the upcoming seasons. This includes checking and maintaining air conditioning units, planting drought-resistant plants, and staying hydrated during the hot summer months.
Additionally, it’s essential to stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings, especially during severe weather events such as thunderstorms and heatwaves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the arrival of spring in North Texas is just around the corner, bringing with it warmer temperatures and the promise of new life. Understanding the causes of the seasons and weather patterns can help us better prepare for the upcoming months and make the most of the pleasant spring weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the first day of spring in 2025?
A: The first day of spring in 2025 is March 20 at 4:01 a.m.
Q: What causes the seasons to change?
A: The tilt of the Earth’s axis causes the seasons to change as the planet orbits the sun.
Q: Will Dallas-Fort Worth see more rain in the spring?
A: Spring and fall tend to be the wettest seasons in North Texas, but it’s too early to tell where 2025 will fall in terms of rainfall.
Q: How long until North Texas is hot?
A: The arrival of hot summer weather depends on several factors, including rainfall, and usually occurs in June or July.
