Meteorological Autumn

September 1 marks the beginning of meteorological autumn.Meteorologists reckon seasons by calendar months,rather than astronomical phenomena.Its a way of rounding things off,and may more closely reflect seasonal reality over a broad geographical area.For example,the beginning of September will show substantial seasonal change in the Northern U.S.,though astronomical autumn is some weeks off.
In the Middle Atlantic region,Canada goldenrod has now come into bloom,and many American robins have moved on from their breeding territories.It can still be quite hot,but the plants and wildlife are experiencing change from the noticeably shorter days,if nothing else.Meteorological autumn makes good sense from their perspective.