Spring Greetings! The vernal equinox arrived at 1:14 A.M. (ET) this morning, marking the earliest start to spring in 116 years. See our First Day of Spring page for facts, folklore, and fun (plus, great reader comments)! The Sun crosses the celestial equator going northward; it rises due east and sets due west. Wind northeast or north at noon of the vernal equinox, no fine weather before midsummer. If westerly or southwesterly, fine weather till midsummer. The word "equinox" is derived from the Latin for "equal night." Day and night are each approximately 12 hours long. Enjoy the longer days! Find the sunrise and -set times and day length where you live. We wish all of our readers a cheerful start to spring. Sincerely, The Old Farmer's Almanac P.S. Forward this email to a friend. It's a quick and easy way to let someone know all the news at Almanac.com.