Is it the first day of fall today

On 22 September 2026, astronomical data confirms that today is indeed the first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. The autumnal equinox occurs precisely when the sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from north to south. This celestial event, which took place at 12:44 UTC, marks the moment when day and night are of approximately equal length across the globe. Following this date, the Northern Hemisphere will experience progressively shorter daylight hours and longer nights as the region tilts further away from the sun, leading into the winter season. Meteorologists and astronomers alike recognize this day as the official transition point between summer and fall. While meteorological autumn began on 1 September for record-keeping purposes, today’s equinox represents the formal astronomical beginning of the season. Across the Northern Hemisphere, this shift is often accompanied by cooling temperatures and the onset of seasonal foliage changes, signaling the end of the summer period and the commencement of the harvest season.