WASHINGTON, D.C. — The District of Columbia officially marks the Winter Solstice on Sunday at 10:03 a.m. Eastern Time, signaling the shortest day and longest night of the year for the Northern Hemisphere. On this date, the nation’s capital receives just 9 hours, 26 minutes, and 18 seconds of daylight, the lowest total of the year.
While the solstice represents the astronomical start of winter, it also marks a turning point, as daylight minutes will begin to slowly increase in the days ahead.
What the Winter Solstice Means for Washington, D.C.
The Winter Solstice occurs when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest away from the sun, causing the sun to follow its lowest and shortest path across the sky. In Washington, D.C., this results in the earliest sunsets and latest sunrises of the year.
Although winter officially begins at the solstice, it also represents the moment when the sun’s gradual return begins. Starting Monday, daylight will increase by small but noticeable increments, continuing steadily until the Summer Solstice in June.
Seasonable Solstice Day With Breezy Conditions
Weather conditions on the solstice itself will feel seasonably cool for late December across Washington, D.C. and the surrounding metro area. Forecasts indicate a mix of sun and clouds, breezy winds, and afternoon highs ranging from the_attach mid-40s to near 50 degrees…