How much daylight will you gain over the next few weeks? Plus, what is meteorological spring

It is now meteorological spring but why does the calendar say spring starts on March 20?

Meteorological seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle and are more consistent for that reason. Astronomical spring, March 20, is based on the position of the Earth in relation to the sun. It is also called the vernal equinox, which marks the moment the sun’s rays are shining directly on the equator. This is when the day and night are equal lengths.

Meteorologists like to break down the seasons into three-month groups, which consist of winter (December, January and February), spring (March, April and May), summer (June, July and August), and fall (September, October and November). Hence, why it is now meteorological spring. Meteorological spring, March 1st through May 31st, is the transition period between the three coldest months and the three warmest months of the year. 

Regardless of meteorological spring or astronomical spring, the days are getting longer–a lot longer! Most of the lower-48 will gain at least 50-minutes of daylight throughout the month of March. This is wonderful news for all of you outdoors people, gardeners, and farmers.

Daylight gained through March