When does winter officially begin? The winter solstice will take place here this year

As the end of the year approaches, the winter solstice also approaches.

The days are getting shorter by seconds every day and the shortest day of the year reaches its peak this Saturday. The winter solstice also marks the end of the fall season and the beginning of winter.

Here’s what you should know about the upcoming solstice.

When is the winter solstice 2024?

The winter solstice falls on Saturday, December 21st at 3:19 a.m. CT.

When does winter start?

Winter begins on Saturday, December 21st and ends on Thursday, March 20th, 2025.

When is the shortest day of the year?

December 21, 2024 is also the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.

What is the difference between a solstice and an equinox?

There are two solstices and two equinoxes during the year. There is an equinox in March and September and a solstice in June and December.

At the solstice, the sun’s path in the sky is either furthest north or furthest south of the equator. This is when we have the longest and shortest days of the year because sunlight peaks high or low in the sky.

At the equinox, the sun’s light shines equally to the north and south, so there is an equal amount of day and night.

How much daylight will Memphis see on December 21, 2024?

Until December 21st, the days will become shorter and the nights longer.

According to timeanddate.com, communities across Memphis will see approximately 9 hours and 47 minutes of light on the day of the winter solstice, with sunrise beginning at approximately 7:04 a.m. and sunset at approximately 4:52 p.m.

Will there be snow in Memphis this winter?

While it has snowed in parts of Tennessee, it’s possible that Memphis won’t see much snow this year as we can expect warmer weather.

“This winter, temperatures will rise and snowfall will decrease across most of the United States,” reports Carol Connare, editor-in-chief of Farmers Almanac. “While there will continue to be cool temperatures and snow on most slopes, the high heating costs associated with the season are unlikely to be as significant. We predict a moderate, uneventful winter – perhaps a welcome change from the extremes of recent years.”

What will the weather be like in Memphis this winter?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Winter Weather Outlook says Memphis can expect a slightly warmer than average winter in December 2024 and January and February 2025.

La Niña conditions are to blame.

Under La Niña conditions, Memphis can expect warmer temperatures and less precipitation.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Winter Solstice Facts: When Winter Begins in Memphis 2025