Is Autumn Disappearing? How Climate Change Is Shortening the Season Worldwide

USEFUL DISASTER PREVENTION INFORMATION

For many people, autumn is a favorite season: crisp air, colorful leaves, harvest festivals, and cozy evenings. But in recent years, more and more people have noticed that autumn seems to arrive late, end quickly, or in some places, barely appear at all. Is this just our imagination, or is autumn truly disappearing?

The Global Trend: Shorter Autumns, Longer Summers

Scientific data confirms what many of us feel. Across the Northern Hemisphere, summers are getting longer—extending by more than two weeks on average since the mid-20th century. Meanwhile, autumn has been shrinking, losing several days over the same period. If greenhouse gas emissions continue at current levels, researchers predict that by the end of this century summer could last nearly six months, while winter may shrink to less than two.

Voices from Around the World

People on online forums have also noticed this change in everyday life.

・A user from Central Europe wrote: “Autumns here are getting shorter every year. Leaves just dry up and fall without turning colorful.” (Source: Reddit)

・In the U.S. Midwest, another person commented that autumn feels like “an extended summer followed by sudden winter,” with little time to enjoy the in-between season. (Source: Reddit)

These personal observations echo what scientists describe as “season creep”—the gradual shift of seasonal boundaries due to climate change.

Why Does This Matter?

The loss of a stable autumn season affects more than just our enjoyment of fall colors:

・Agriculture: Crops that rely on cooler nights and gradual seasonal transitions face lower yields and unpredictable harvests. Rice, grapes, and apples are just a few examples.

・Health: Rapid shifts from hot to cold increase risks of seasonal illnesses, allergies, and even cardiovascular problems like heat shock.

・Tourism: In countries famous for fall foliage—such as the U.S., Canada, or Japan—shorter and less vibrant autumns threaten seasonal tourism.

・Ecosystems: Birds, insects, and plants depend on seasonal cues. When autumn shortens, migrations and life cycles can become misaligned, disrupting entire ecosystems.

Regional Examples

・North America: In the Midwest, people report that autumn feels like an extended summer followed by a sudden winter. Meanwhile, the Northeast is experiencing delayed and duller fall foliage.

・Europe: Residents in the U.K. and Central Europe note that leaves often brown and drop without the brilliant colors once typical of the season. “False autumns,” where trees shed leaves early due to heat stress, are becoming more common.

・Asia: In Japan and Korea, autumn festivals are squeezed between prolonged summer heat and early cold snaps, altering traditional seasonal rhythms.

A Shift in Seasonal Identity

The shrinking of autumn is part of a broader climate trend known as “season creep.” Spring arrives earlier, summer lasts longer, and winter starts later. Together, these shifts are reshaping our cultural and ecological relationship with the seasons. Some scientists even argue that we are entering a world where the four traditional seasons may give way to entirely new patterns.

What Can We Do?

While global action on climate change is essential, there are also local and personal steps:

・Supporting sustainable agriculture to adapt to shifting seasons.

・Promoting eco-friendly tourism that doesn’t rely solely on traditional seasonal attractions.

・Preparing our homes and health routines for abrupt weather changes.

Autumn may not vanish entirely, but it is undeniably changing. The fiery reds and golds of October, the cool evenings, and the slow transition toward winter are no longer guaranteed. Recognizing this trend is not just about nostalgia—it’s about understanding how deeply climate change touches our daily lives and traditions.