What is the winter solstice? What to know about shortest day of the year
Winter is officially here and so is the shortest day of the year.
Meteorologically speaking winter started Dec. 1. But many recognize the winter solstice, which is today, Dec. 21, as the first true day of winter in the northern hemisphere, according to the Farmer's Almanac.
There may be two days, but we can all agree that sweater and chili weather is here and isn't going away anytime soon. Bundle up and enjoy the rest of the year.
Here’s everything you need to know about the first day of winter, the winter solstice and just what kind of weather Tennessee could expect in the coming month.
When is the first day of winter?
The Farmer’s Almanac says there are technically two first days of winter. Dec. 1 is the meteorological first day of winter and the other falls on Dec. 21, which many people recognize as the "true" first day of winter because of the solstice.
When is the winter solstice 2023?
The winter solstice takes place on Dec. 21, 2023. It is considered by many as the first day of winter and is also the shortest day of the year, but the longest night, according to the Farmers Almanac.
After today, days will start to get longer again and you can begin to expect later and later sunsets.
What are the chances of a white Christmas in TN?
The National Weather Service predicts that the chances of a white Christmas is unlikely for most of the state. According to an X post by the NWS, Nashville will instead be experiencing a warm, rainy Christmas.
NWS reports for Memphis and Knoxville have a similar outlook.
Will it snow in Tennessee this winter?
Meteorologists at NOAA issued a winter outlook calling for slightly wetter conditions and above-average temperatures in the South due to an El Niño weather pattern, but we still don't know if this means that snow could happen or if we'll experience harsh, freezing temperatures once again.
Take a look at some of the "old school" ways of predicting winter weather here.
Tennessee weather for December
Accuweather's predictions for December seem pretty damp, especially toward the end of the month.
December temperature predictions in Tennessee are in the upper 30s to mid-40s most nights of the month with a couple of nights dipping into the 20s, according to Accuweather. During the day, temperatures could get as high as 60 at the beginning of the month, before heading down into the high 40s and into the 50s toward the end.
Accuweather's predictions for Tennessee in December vary depending on where exactly you are in the state and can change as weather patterns change.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Winter solstice 2023: Today marks shortest day of the year
