Temperatures may still be a little on the chilly side but buds are now starting to sprout and the evenings are gradually getting lighter, which can only mean that spring is almost here.

       But the exact start date of spring depends on whether you follow the astronomical calendar, or the meteorological one.

       Astronomical seasons refer to the position of the Earth’s orbit in relation to the sun, taking into account equinoxes and solstices. Since the seasons vary in length, it means the start date of a new season typically falls on a different day each year.

       According to the Met Office, astronomical spring this year starts on Thursday, March 20 and ends on Saturday, June 21.

       The equinox defines the transition between the seasons of the astronomical calendar and occurs twice a year. The spring equinox falls around March 20 and the autumn equinox falls around September 22.

       Read More: The date you’ll lose an hour in bed as clocks go forward for spring

       The Met Office explains: “They occur between the summer and winter solstices marking the point the Sun crosses the equator's path and becomes positioned exactly above the equator between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

       “During the equinox, day and night will be around the same length which is evident in the word's origin derived from the Latin equi (meaning 'equal') and nox (meaning 'night').

       “The spring equinox marks the beginning of spring and from this day forward the day is longer than the night. Similarly, the autumn equinox marks the start of autumn as the night becomes longer than the day.”

       But if you follow the meteorological calendar - which is instead based on the annual temperature cycle - then spring will always start on March 1 and end on May 31 every year.

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       The meteorological seasons split spring, summer, autumn and winter into four periods of up to three months each and these coincide with the Gregorian calendar, meaning the start date of each new season doesn't vary year on year.

       Of course, with the arrival of the spring season it also means another clock change is upon us, with the clocks set to go forward by one hour at 1am on Sunday, March 30, officially marking the beginning of British Summer Time.

       Unfortunately, the change means you’ll lose an extra hour in bed but as a reward you’ll get to enjoy more daylight in the evenings.

       The clocks changing can cause disruption to your body clock and mood, so experts advise adjusting your bedtime by around 15 to 30 minutes each night leading up to the change to get acclimatised.