Sep. 25 -- Fall has arrived in New Mexico with a few familiar companions -- red chile, apples and the flu -- in tow.
As the landscape transforms from green and brown hues to burnt oranges and gold shades on the leaves, and as hot air balloons float on the azure blue skyline, New Mexicans are preparing for a transition into the new season.
The autumnal equinox -- when Earth's rotational axis aligns with its orbit around the sun, meaning the sun sits directly above the equator and both hemispheres get the same hours of daylight and night -- arrived at 6:44 a.m. Sunday. So here come a change of temperatures, seasonal activities and new crops to harvest.
Here are the highlights we all should know about the new season's arrival.
When will the weather get colder?
"We're expecting a very smooth and relaxing week when it comes to weather," said National Weather Service meteorologist Carter Greulich. "In one short sentence, it's going to be warm and dry all week."
Daytime highs are expected to stay in the mid- to high-80s with overnight lows in the mid- to high-50s into the weekend.
"There may be some isolated showers in the northern mountains towards Colorado and light showers later in the week called virga (a type of rain that doesn't reach the ground because it evaporates before hitting the earth)," Greulich said.
New Mexicans shouldn't experience an extreme drop of temperature until mid to late October, when highs may only get into the 50s and with lows in the mid-30s.
How to prepare for sick season
Chilly weather tends to bring in runny noses and scratchy throats. Certain viruses like influenza typically come in full force in fall and winter, even though the flu is considered a year-round virus. Fall is one of the most likely times for people to experience other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV.
The exact timing and duration of flu seasons varies, but flu activity often increases in October, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends people get vaccinated against the flu around September or October. Ideally, all people would be vaccinated by end of October.
People may experience more allergy symptoms during this time due to an increase of ragweed, which commonly releases pollen in August and lasts until late October.
Harvest time
Fall brings new produce and harvest times. Most fruits will be out of season, though apples, grapes, melons, pears, and raspberries are in peak season. Fall is the best time for crisp, hardy vegetables. Vegetables like beets, green chile, peppers, carrots and of course, pumpkins, do best in fall. Purchasing produce based on its season produces a better flavor and can be more nutritious than produce consumed during its offseason.
Where's the chile?
New Mexicans know the sweet and smoky scent of chiles roasting in late summer and early fall. However, this year, that scent might not waft in the air for as long as it usually does. Those people who report seeing fewer chile roasters than in previous years would be correct. Chile roasters Fabian Grajeda, from Grajeda Farms, said climate change has impacted the yield of chile crops and how long they last before they need to be harvested.
"It's just been really cold in the morning, and once the chiles feel the cold they start maturing and start turning all red," Grajeda said. "Most of the chiles you'll see in Hatch are gonna have a lot of red in the plant."