When does winter start? Winter Solstice 2023 marks the shortest day of the year

Temperatures are dropping, and winter is approaching. The winter solstice begins on Thursday, 21 December, ushering in the official start of the coldest season in the northern hemisphere.

The shortest day of the year

As the world spins on its axis around the sun, the length of the day shifts throughout the year. The beginning of winter is marked by the day the sun travels the shortest path based on the earth’s rotation. In other words, the first day of winter is the shortest day of the year, after which the days will once again begin to extend themselves through the spring and summer.

According to Farmers Almanac, two additional minutes of daylight are seen each day starting in mid-January. A month later, this number increased to three minutes a day.

Winter storm watch this holiday season

As the winter season approaches and the holiday festivities draw near, many states across the United States of America are facing severe weather conditions. While summer can bring hurricanes to the shores of the country, the winter season is usually marked by snowstorms. These storms can be extremely dangerous, especially when the roads become untravelable. Here are some tips that can help you stay safe this winter.

Weatherproofing your home

It is essential to keep your home warm during a power outage that may occur during a winter storm. While minor issues can be fixed within a few hours, severe events may cause electricity to be out for days or even weeks.

To ensure your home stays warm, you should first check your insulation and insulate any exterior pipes. Check for gaps or cracks between windows and frames and seal them with caulk. Use weather stripping or window insulation film to prevent drafts.

It is also important to check your roof for leaks and remove any tree branches that could cause damage to your home. If you plan to use a wood burning chimney, have it cleaned and inspected. Additionally, ensure your furnace is working correctly.

Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your house monthly and make sure they have battery backups. Change the batteries twice a year.

Gather supplies for several days

It is important to be prepared in case of a power outage. Make sure to have a sufficient supply of food, water, medicine, and other essential items that can last for an extended period of time since travel may not be possible, and store availability may be limited. Also, ensure that you have warm and dry clothing and blankets for indoor use and proper outdoor winter apparel, such as waterproof boots, gloves, and hats if you need to go outside. Wear layers of loose clothing and consider wearing snow goggles to protect your eyes from extreme cold if you will be outside for more than a few minutes.

Stay connected and tuned in to alerts

It’s important to stay connected with your loved ones during difficult times. So, make sure you check in with them to ensure they are doing well. Also, sign up for alerts from the authorities to stay informed about the weather and any conditions that may affect your area. In case of a power failure, keep a battery-powered radio handy to stay updated. Similarly, it’s a good idea to have spare batteries for charging your cell phone and other devices like flashlights.