Spring is here, which means it’s time to enjoy flowers in full bloom and warm sunlight falling over the world. For those who can’t stand the oppressive cold and dismal atmosphere of Winter, this is a delightful time of year. Today we’re looking at some fun facts about Spring to celebrate this vital and vibrant season!
Spring in the Northern Hemisphere is considered to properly begin on the Vernal Equinox. This usually falls on or around March 20th, though it has occasionally been on March 21st. Whether or not it’s started warming up yet, the early weeks of March still technically count as “winter”!
Once Spring gets going in full swing, the first flowers to bloom tend to be the more fragile and short-lived. Flowers like daffodils, tulips, iris, lilacs, dandelions, and lilies are usually among the first to bloom.
When you think of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, you think of gentle rains, warm sunlight and blooming flowers. If you live in Tornado Alley, however, you think of the period as being the most active season for tornadoes!
The reason for this is that Spring is the time when the highest differential of hot and cold air gathers over the American Midwest and near the Gulf of Mexico. These competing air fronts can begin swirling around one another and result in the development of supercell storm patterns. These are the storms that give rise to tornadoes!
If you stand at the Equator during the Vernal or Autumnal Equinox, you’ll see the Sun pass directly overhead. This is an event that many tourists and weather enthusiasts will seek out when they visit Equatorial nations. This only occurs twice a year, so it’s a very cool event to see in person!
Additionally, most places on Earth, aside from the Equator and the Poles, experience 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness on the first day of Spring. The same goes for the first day of Autumn! The Equinoxes are both popular celebration days in some cultures, such as Wicca.
