After a brutal winter that included extended deep freezes and a couple of monster snowstorms, we have reached the light — some light, at least — at the end of the tunnel. The vernal equinox occurs at 10:46 a.

You're in luck – the official start to spring is this week, falling on Friday, March 20. While meteorologists consider the beginning of March to mark the beginning of spring, the official arrival of the season depends on an astronomical event called the spring equinox. Wondering what exactly that means?

The first day of spring is almost here and it's going to feel almost summer-like in Iowa. Here's what to know about the vernal equinox.