Evening Update: First Day of Astronomical Winter. Pleasant and Mild Thursday.

The Winter Solstice occurred at 5:44 a.m. (Eastern Time) marking the first day of astronomical winter. Due to the position of Earth’s tilt, the northern hemisphere will be exposed to less sunlight (this means cooler temperatures during the Winter months). Today will be the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

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Winter Solstice occured on December 21st at 5:44 am Eastern Time (Photo credit: NWS)

Through Tonight

Pleasant and dry tonight. An approaching cold front will increase cloud cover to mostly cloudy skies. Windchill won’t be a concern tonight. But, a warm coat and scarf will come in handy. Calm winds from the west will shift out of the south around 5 mph. Overnight temperatures should trend below freezing in the suburbs. Lows are expected to range between 30-34 degrees with slightly warmer temperatures near the District.

Tomorrow (Thursday)

Mild and breezier with temperatures climbing to the low 50s. By morning, a dry cold front will move through the region. Therefore, Thursday will be mostly sunny and clear of any rain showers for the DC area. Northwest winds will range between 8-14 mph.