Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Fall arrives today with a shift in daylight and the sun's position. The seasonal change will bring roughly equal periods of day and night around the globe. It also marks the start of astronomical fall. Climate scientists use a different system to define the season.

Fall 2026 begins on Tuesday, September 22, at 7:05 p.m. CDT. The change occurs as the Sun crosses the celestial equator while heading south. That movement marks the beginning of astronomical fall.

Details of the Fall Equinox:

• Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
  
  
• Time: 7:05 p.m. CDT
  
  
• Meaning: The Sun crosses the celestial equator heading south, giving roughly equal parts of day and night across the globe.
  
  
• Astronomical vs. Meteorological: While astronomical fall begins on the equinox, meteorological fall began earlier on September 1, as climate scientists track seasons in whole three-month blocks.
  
  

Astronomical seasons are based on Earth's position relative to the Sun. The fall equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator toward the Southern Hemisphere. This event results in nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness worldwide.

Meteorological fall follows a separate calendar. Climate scientists begin the season on September 1 and divide it into three-month blocks. This approach helps organize weather data and compare seasonal patterns year to year.

The equinox marks the start of astronomical fall, while meteorological fall is already underway. Daylight will continue to decrease in the Northern Hemisphere after the celestial event. Nighttime hours will gradually lengthen as we move toward winter.