Winter Solstice Has Arrived...

As Earth orbits around the sun, the tilt of its axis(23.5 degrees) creates the 4 seasons.  Today at 4:02 AM marked the farthest tilt away from the sun for the northern hemisphere called the Winter Solstice.  

While the middle view shows the southern hemisphere totally in sunlight, the bottom view has the areas north of 45 degrees latitude in darkness.  For the next 6 months, the process reverses and the northern hemisphere receives more and more sunlight.  But the big new today is the conjunction (lining up) of Saturn & Jupiter to produce a site called the "Christmas Star".  

The planets are closest in alignment tonight just after dark, but as the SKY & TELESCOPE graphic shows, the next 3-4 nights will produce similar views.   Look SW just after sunset, provided clouds don't block out our view.   The satellite pics show lots of clouds hugging our coast, so the farther north you go, the better chances for clear skies.

As mentioned yesterday, the start of this week will be very mild as 70+ temps are approaching from the west.  Our next cold front plows through late Wednesday night bringing us back to the reality that it's December.     The computer runs continue to advertise a deep dip in the upper flow developing over the Great lakes & eastern states.

The top graphic is today's upper flow with a weak dip/trough moving over the eastern states.  The middle graphic is valid for Christmas Eve with a much deeper dip that should bring down the coldest air so far this season.  So Tuesday and Wednesday will feel Spring like before Christmas Eve & Day require a return to heavy coats.

We almost made 70 today so don't be surprised to see us 72-76 tomorrow & Wednesday.  RIGHT NOW, FOX 8 is not forecasting a freeze for the South Shore, but don't get caught off guard if that changes,   I'm holding off on moving any of my plants into my He Shed until we get closer to the possible freeze event.  The first event (conjunction Jupiter & Saturn) happens tonight so get ready as we'll only have 1 hour (6-7 pm) to try and find it.  Good luck.  Stay tuned!