First day of fall 2023: When longer nights, colorful leaves and cooler temps will arrive
Eager to jump into the fall season?
Well, you're in luck, as the first official day of fall is just around the corner. Time to start rounding up those flannels and beanies you have stored away and treat yourself to a pumpkin-flavored drink.
Pumpkin spice: 8 products that aren't a latte
At 2:50 a.m. on Sept. 23, the northern hemisphere will observe the autumn equinox. This is when the sun passes over the equator heading south, marking the beginning of fall and cooler temperatures.
Each year, the equinox occurs "at the exact same moment worldwide," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, giving us about 12 hours of daytime and 12 hours of nighttime, depending on where you live. But they get pretty close to equal — the "total lengths may differ by only a few minutes," according to the Almanac.
What will fall weather look like this year and when will the leaves change?
Fall weather is predicted to be normal this September through November, National Weather Service meteorologist Jason Puma said. We can expect cooler temperatures heading into October as usual, but there are no signals of the weather being colder or warmer than an average fall.
What you can expect this fall is leaves changing colors.
According to the Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Prediction Map, the best time to see fall leaves across the state is between Oct. 23-30. During this period, leaves will be near their peak or at their peak in color. After October, leaves start to pass their peak as the weather turns colder.
When is Daylight Saving Time?
We turn the clocks backward on Nov. 5, giving us more light in the morning hours. If you are looking forward to an extra hour of darkness, just hang on a little bit longer.
DST 2023: You've been waiting since March. Here's when you'll get your hour of sleep back.
What are some fun fall festivities?
An Indiana fan-favorite is making the trek to Brown County State Park to see all the fall colors. Hiking through the beautiful scenery is like no other Indiana experience, with a quick trip after to the small tourist town of Nashville to top off the day.
If Halloween is your favorite holiday, make sure to put a haunted house on your to-do list. Places like Indy Scream Park and Hannah Haunted Acres offer a terrifying yet exhilarating night out during the month of October. Make sure to get your picture with your favorite haunted character after a haunted hayride.
Of course, no fall season would be complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch. Tuttle Orchards offers apple cider goodies in addition to picking out your favorite pumpkin to decorate this Halloween.
Contact IndyStar reporter Nic Napier at nnapier@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Fall in Indiana: When cool temps, long nights and colorful leaves arrive
