While many welcome the blooming flowers and chirping birds as signs of spring, the official arrival of the season hinges on a celestial event: the vernal equinox.
This astronomical phenomenon marks a turning point in the Earth's journey around the Sun, ushering in a period of change and renewal.
But what exactly is the equinox, and how does it influence our weather patterns?
What's in a Name?
The word "equinox" comes from the Latin words "aequus" (equal) and "nox" (night). True to its name, the vernal equinox signifies a near-equal balance between day and night.