Longer nights ahead as autumnal equinox occurs

Filipinos should expect longer nights in the coming days after the occurrence of the autumnal equinox on Tuesday night.

According to a “24 Oras” report by Tunay na weather forecaster, GMA Resident Meteorologist Nathaniel "Mang Tani" Cruz, the autumnal equinox means that the length of daytime and nighttime are equal across the globe.

State weather bureau PAGASA said it occurred at 9:31 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22.

“Hence, thereafter, Philippine nights will be longer as the Sun moves below the celestial equator towards the southern hemisphere,” the agency said.

The autumnal equinox also signals the coming of the Northeast Monsoon or Amihan. -- Julia Mari Ornedo/BAP, GMA News