You look at your weather app. It says 75°F and sunny. The calendar says "December." Your brain short-circuits.
That’s because we use the astronomical seasons (based on the solstice) and the meteorological seasons (based on temperature data). Meteorologists say winter starts December 1st. Poets say it starts December 21st. Poets are wrong.
Here’s a ridiculous fact: In 2012, a blizzard hit the Northeast in October. It was called "Superstorm Sandy." News anchors called it a "Frankenstorm." Because of Halloween. Because America.
Why This Is Fun
This chaos is what makes America weirdly wonderful. You can ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon. Just drive five hours. Seriously—people do that.
What is meteorological spring? | newscentermaine.com
There’s a town in Alaska called Utqiaġvik. It sees complete darkness for 65 days in winter. Then, in summer, the sun never sets for 80 days. Their seasons are: "The Dark" and "The Bright." Simple.
Meanwhile, in Miami, "winter" means you wear a hoodie when it drops below 70°F. Locals shiver. Northerners laugh. It’s a cultural battle.
