The Winter Solstice Is Coming, But What Exactly Is It?

news image
Special Stories
20 Dec 2019 8:40 AM
Winter officially kicks off Saturday at 11:19 EST and of course, at the same time in the Southern Hemisphere, summer will also be initiated. For us here in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun will be on its most southerly track in the sky giving us the shortest day of the year. From the Winter Solstice on Saturday until the summer solstice on Saturday, June 2, 2020, the nights will progressively grow shorter while the daylight hours will increase. https://twitter.com/i/status/1208054453951062016 One might think that the shorter duration of sunlight on the Winter Solstice should bring about the coldest temperatures as well but the coldest and warmest temperatures typically occur weeks after the winter and summer solstices, respectively. On the Winter Solstice, the earth’s axis is angled away from the sun with the Northern Hemisphere receiving the shortest duration of sunlight while the southern hemisphere enjoys the longest duration of sunlight of the year.
All Weather News
More
Another Round of Storms Targets the Northeast

Another Round of Storms Targets the Northeast

Another cold front is dropping east and will

20 Jul 2026 1:15 PM
Another Round of Severe Weather for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

Another Round of Severe Weather for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes

The upper level low train continues to keep t

20 Jul 2026 1:05 PM
Tropical Depression Two Meandering in the Gulf

Tropical Depression Two Meandering in the Gulf

In the Atlantic basin, we are keeping a very

20 Jul 2026 11:35 AM
Severe Storm Threat Continues for North Carolina and Virginia

Severe Storm Threat Continues for North Carolina and Virginia

The SPC has dropped its overnight outlook to

20 Jul 2026 1:30 AM
Air Quality Improvements in the Forecast

Air Quality Improvements in the Forecast

Wildfires burning in Northwestern Ontario, Ca

20 Jul 2026 1:00 AM
Monsoon Moisture Brings Weekend Flood Threat

Monsoon Moisture Brings Weekend Flood Threat

The monsoon has returned to the southwestern

19 Jul 2026 1:30 AM
After Historic Flooding, Flood Risk Moves West Saturday

After Historic Flooding, Flood Risk Moves West Saturday

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY - Life-threatening floodin

18 Jul 2026 1:00 AM