"Jack Harrison" wrote in message
m...
In S England, there always seems to be a date when it can be said
"autumn has arrived". This date varies from one year to the next of
course, but by remarkably little. (a week perhaps?). The onset of
Autumn, unlike other seasons, always seems clearly defined.

In 2004 it can probably be said that Autumn began on 10 September -
bang down the middle of the range of dates as well as I can remember.


.... I know what you mean, though for me just yet, I can't agree *for
here* (Bracknell): it may be slightly different where you are. My
reasoning is ... trying to put my thoughts in some order:-

1. Autumn for me means that the evenings *quickly* turn chilly and damp.
That hasn't yet happened - even last night, the overall minimum is going
to be around 10degC, still circa 1degC above the whole-month average for
September, and on your date (10th) it was 13.4 and yesterday morning 15!
Evenings are still warm enough to potter about in shorts / tee shirt
even with a bit of wind running (as last night). The only reason we
closed the upstairs windows last night (another sign of autumn) was that
the wind was rather gusty from the 'wrong' direction to wrench them wide
open!

2. The leaves are only just turning - and that doesn't look like
'standard' autumnal turn either, but more drought stress (remember, we
haven't had the rainfall other parts of the country have had). The vast
majority of leaves are full (though deep) green, which doesn't suggest
autumn to me. I suspect though that within 7 days, this facet will
change dramatically.

3. The first 'classic' autumn morning for me is a misty, moisty & CHILLY
morning - we've had misty (indeed foggy) early mornings (cleared well
before 07Z), with HIGH dew point air. This isn't autumnal weather - my
autumn mist/fog should be around either close to, or at 09Z with
temperatures down around 5 or 6 degC.

I agree though that we've had a major change of type on/around your
date, though we get these at all sorts of times within a 'classic'
season. As you say, I shall also be interested to see what others think.
I suspect it will be highly personal, and the usual mix between a glass
half empty and one half full ;-)

Martin.