Tue Dec 17 11:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Winter Solstice Arrives This Saturday, Bringing Shortest Day of the Year to Memphis
**Memphis, TN—** This Saturday, December 21st, marks the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The solstice, occurring at 3:19 a.m. CT, officially ushers in the winter season, which will last until March 20, 2025.
Memphians can expect around 9 hours and 47 minutes of daylight on Saturday, with sunrise at approximately 7:04 a.m. and sunset at 4:52 p.m. However, unlike recent years, a milder winter is anticipated for the city.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Memphis is predicted to experience warmer-than-average temperatures and below-average snowfall this winter. This milder forecast is attributed to La Niña conditions, which typically bring warmer temperatures and less precipitation to the region.
“This winter, temperatures will be up and snowfall down throughout most of the United States,” stated Carol Connare, editor-in-chief of the Farmer’s Almanac, adding that while chilly temperatures are still expected, high heating costs associated with harsh winters may be lessened.
The solstice, one of two each year (the other being the summer solstice in June), occurs when the sun’s path in the sky is furthest south of the equator, resulting in the shortest day. The equinoxes, which occur in March and September, bring equal amounts of day and night.
First Piper 