Spring is a mood-booster.
A joy inducer.
A restorer of hope.
A source of optimism.
An energy enhancer.
A dopamine trigger.
A serotonin solution.
Since spring is responsible for all this good stuff, it's important to know that the season arrives at precisely 7:46 am on Friday, March 20.
So, get ready to be wowed, be prepared to feel better, adjust your attitude for maximum gratitude.
Thus said, the switch from winter to spring is somewhat subtle.
Throughout our coverage areas of Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Kamloops, Victoria and Prince George, we've already had a couple of weeks of spring-like weather.
And we already switched on March 8 permanently to year-round daylight saving time to gain an extra hour of light in the all-important late afternoon-early evening.
The exact moment of the spring equinox is a more unnoticed astronomical phenomenon than an abrupt change in the weather or a sudden feeling of euphoria.
In fact, spring arrives as the sun crosses the celestial equator moving from south to north.
At this time, the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun creating an equal amount of day and night—hence the 'equinox,' meaning equal, in spring equinox.
Except, it's not exactly equal.
Due to the Earth's oval orbit and light refraction, we'll get 12 hours and 11 minutes of daylight in Kelowna on the first day of spring with sunrise at 7 am and sunset at 7:11 pm.
Over the next 93 days of spring, we'll get a little more daylight every day until the summer solstice on June 21 when there will be more than 16 hours of daylight.
Spring fever is actually science.
Longer, brighter days stimulate the brain's production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is detected through the eyes and skin.
This acts as a natural antidepressant, improving mood and energy, aiding digestion and kick-starting metabolism.
Dopamine is another neurotransmitter that links light with feelings of pleasure and reward.
In other words, a natural high all around.
So, take advantage of this positive change of season to open windows and let the fresh air in, go for a hike, hop on a bike, start gardening or even be so bold as to have an early-spring picnic.
Spring, of course, isn't all sunshine and light.
The first day of spring in the Okanagan will be mild at 17°C, but there's also a 60% chance of showers.
Saturday will be sunny, but cooler at 10°C.
In Kamloops, Friday will be 18°C with sun and cloud and Saturday will be sunny, but cooler at 10°C.
Victoria gets 14°C and showers on Friday and 11°C with sun/cloud on Saturday.
Prince George will have showers and 4°C on Friday, and 3°C and sun on Saturday.
Spring covers a lot of weather in its three-month stretch.
March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, April showers bring May flowers and by the time it's mid-June it can be rather summer-like.
Get out there!
Enjoy spring!
