That is what I'd perhaps use too, depending on the application. If I'd chose this way I'd even tag along a success check (and add anchors). Your format may change some day and then you'll be glad you caught that.

my ($y, $m, $d) = $today =~ /^(\d\d\d\d)(\d\d)(\d\d)\z/
    or die "Incorrect date format: '$today'";
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ihb