Why the early equinox?
Today, March 19 is the first day of spring, earlier than usual due to Leap Year.
This year, the vernal equinox is Tuesday, March 19. The equinox is when the whole planet receives approximately 12 hours of daylight.
But why is spring starting earlier than the usual March 21?
WDIO Storm Team meteorologists Brandon Weatherz and Justin Liles explained. The short answer is that it’s because of the Leap Year.
The vernal equinox officially happens at 10 p.m. March 19. But on March 19, 2028, it will be earlier in the evening and keep getting earlier until eventually it happens on March 18.