****Via Environment Canada
Fall equinox
The fall equinox marks the official beginning of astronomical fall, which occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator. The fall equinox, occurring on September 22 this year, marks one of two annual occasions when day and night are nearly equal in length.
The fall equinox signals a deeper transition into cooler weather for Canadians. Chlorophyll production in leaves slows down, allowing vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows to emerge—especially vivid in Canada’s forests. Alongside this change in foliage, the shift in the Sun’s position alters Canada’s weather patterns, making coastal regions more prone to storms and fluctuating weather fronts. This seasonal transition not only impacts the climate but also triggers wildlife to prepare for winter, with many species either migrating or stockpiling food to endure the colder months ahead.
The equinox also has cultural and historical significance in many societies. For Indigenous communities across Canada, the changing seasons have long been tied to traditional knowledge, signaling important times for harvesting, preparing for winter, and celebrating the cycle of life and the connection with Earth.
In Canada, the fall equinox serves as a reminder that while meteorological fall has already been in progress, the full transition to autumn is now underway, bringing with it a host of changes in nature and the environment as winter approaches.
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