You probably didn’t notice the change Saturday.

It came at 10:49 a.m., when the autumnal equinox marked the official end of summer. Fall arrived in Northeast Georgia under clear morning skies with temperatures in the mid 70s, so the change was easy to feel.

The equinox technically marks the time at which the Earth’s axis is not tilted toward or away the sun, allowing the sun’s direct rays to reach the equator. It means both northern and southern hemispheres experience the same amount of daylight.

Over the coming months, the days will become shorter, until they reach their shortest point at the winter solstice Dec. 21 (that is, unless the Mayans were right).

The first weekend of fall will feel like it, though still somewhat warm. Highs today are expected to reach the high 70s under sunny skies with no chance of rain. That trend will continue through the early part of the work week, with overnight lows dipping into the mid to high 50s.

The first chance of rain is not expected in our area until Thursday and Friday, when warmer air brings a slight chance of showers. That would bring relief not only to Lake Lanier, which remains nearly 10 feet below full pool, but those suffering from weed pollen allergies, with counts remaining in the moderate range.

And while autumn has arrived, the changing leaves lag a bit behind in our part of the world. The full palette of fall color is not expected in North Georgia until early to mid-October.