Tomorrow’s Autumn Equinox marks the first day of fall

Photo from 'andreanna' via Flickr

With summer vacation ending and schools starting, it has started to feel like fall. When you step outside, however, you probably will not agree.

The first day of fall is determined by the Autumnal Equinox, happening tomorrow, September 22, this year. An equinox happens twice a year—the vertical equinox in the spring and the autumnal equinox in the fall.  Usually either the day or evening would be longer because the earth’s axis is tilted towards or away from the sun.  An equinox occurs when day and night are approximately of equal length due to the earth’s axis being level with the sun.

Fall brings exciting events such as Halloween and Thanksgiving.  At the same time autumn means we have to wake up before the sun rises and the days will start getting shorter, especially after daylight savings ends.

Some parts of the world may already be seeing the color of the leaves changing and feeling the seasonal change already, but it’ll be awhile until we feel it here in San Diego.  The temperature will be in the 80s and 90s until the end of the month, even predicted to hit record highs on Tuesday and Wednesday this week as a high pressure system builds and Santa Ana’s begin to blow.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat wave weather advisory, that a strong high pressure will build throughout the week. Temperatures are expected to be 10 – 20 degrees above normal.

Tuesday marks the beginning of fall, but it also marks what is forecast to be one of the hottest day of this heat wave. With the heat wave comes increased fire danger. The winds are not expected to get that strong, but the heat combined with very low humidity is very dangerous, as we all know. Exercise caution if you’re planning on barbequing, doing yard work with equipment that can cause a spark, or doing anything that increases fire danger.

Remember to clear a safe space around your home, eliminating any chance for brsh to catch fire. It also clears aids in firefighting efforts if a fire does spark.