How will a Super El Niño impact this winter’s weather?
A record-breaking super El Niño is likely, but if you think you know what that means for the winter forecast, think again.
It’s time for pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween costume scouting − fall is just around the corner.
This year, the first day of fall, also known as the autumnal equinox, is set to happen later in September. The autumnal equinox is the precise moment when the sun crosses directly above the Earth’s equator, marking the start of the fall season.
Many Americans are looking forward to cooler temperatures ahead, especially after the hottest July on record. However, it could take longer for the warmth to fade because El Niño is ramping up, according to previous USA TODAY reporting.
The Climate Prediction Center’s fall temperature outlook map for the United States shows that nearly coast-to-coast above-average temperatures are expected in September through November. This year, September could feel more like an extension of summer than the start of fall.
As the season nears, here’s what to know about the first day of fall.
When is the first day of fall 2026?
The first day of fall is Tuesday, Sept. 22.
When is the 2026 autumnal equinox?
More specifically, this year’s autumnal equinox is at 8:04 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
When will the leaves start to change?
When the leaves begin to change color depends on the location. Here’s a look at the Farmer’s Almanac predictions for this year:
- New England: Late September through October
- Mid-Atlantic: Mid- to late October
- Great Lakes and Midwest: Late September through late October
- Southern Appalachians: Mid-October through early November
- West: Mid-September through October
The Farmer’s Almanac says on its website that peak fall foliage only lasts about a week, although weather conditions can shorten or lengthen this window.
When is the first day of winter 2026?
The first day of winter is Monday, Dec. 21. The winter solstice, specifically, is at 3:50 p.m. EST on Dec. 21.
Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.