Chicago, IL – Fall begins today, but for nearly a dozen states, the season is already acting like winter. As the autumn equinox arrives September 22, 2025, frost, freeze warnings, and even reports of early snow are signaling a sharp seasonal shift.
According to the National Weather Service, the equinox occurs as the sun crosses the celestial equator, bringing a rare balance of day and night. From this point forward, Americans can expect earlier sunsets, longer nights, and steadily cooler conditions leading into winter.
Signs of the seasonal shift are already underway. As of this week, frost advisories and hard freeze warnings have ended the growing season in parts of Maine, Vermont, and upstate New York. Early frost has also been reported in New Hampshire, Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, and Colorado. In higher elevations, snow has already been observed in the Rockies, signaling a swift move from late summer warmth to early winter chill.
Meteorologists say these conditions are typical as fall ramps up, with the northern states seeing sharper temperature drops first. By mid-October, widespread foliage changes will dominate much of the Midwest and Northeast, while southern states will follow later into November. Travel experts project peak leaf color from late September in the northern tier through late October in central regions.
The equinox has historically marked a season of harvest and transition, and modern communities continue to embrace it with festivals, fairs, and outdoor gatherings. But for many Americans, this year’s first day of fall comes with a reminder: cooler nights, golden sunsets, and an early hint of winter already creeping in.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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