Bright Days Are Coming: Kansas City Prepares for Longer Days Ahead!
Hey there, Kansas City! We know that dealing with the darkness creeping in earlier and earlier during the fall months can be a bit of a drag. But don’t fret; there’s plenty of light waiting just around the corner! Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into everything you need to know about the winter solstice and the upcoming changes in daylight.
Winter Solstice: The Shortest Day of the Year
Mark your calendars for December 21, 2024, because that’s when we’ll experience the shortest day of the year here in Kansas City. On this day, we’ll only be graced with a mere 9 hours and 25 minutes of daylight! Talk about a dark day! The sun will rise at 7:34 a.m. and set at 4:59 p.m., giving us a taste of the cozy winter evenings ahead.
The Silver Lining: Daylight Will Begin to Increase!
After December 21, the good news is that the days will start to get longer, slowly and surely. It might be hard to believe now, but by June 20, 2025, we’ll be celebrating the summer solstice with the longest day of the year. Can you imagine basking in the sun for hours? We can’t wait!
Check Out These Exciting Sunrise and Sunset Times!
As the winter season rolls on, keep an eye on these sunrise and sunset times, as they gradually improve:
- Christmas Day (Dec. 25): Sunrise at 7:35 a.m., Sunset at 5:01 p.m.
- New Year’s Day (Jan. 1): Sunrise at 7:37 a.m., Sunset at 5:06 p.m.
- January 15: Sunrise at 7:35 a.m., Sunset at 5:20 p.m.
- February 1: Sunrise at 7:24 a.m., Sunset at 5:39 p.m.
- February 15: Sunrise at 7:09 a.m., Sunset at 5:55 p.m.
- March 1: Sunrise at 6:50 a.m., Sunset at 6:11 p.m.
- March 9 (Daylight Saving Time begins!): Sunrise at 7:38 a.m., Sunset at 7:19 p.m.
- March 20 (Spring Equinox): Sunrise at 7:21 a.m., Sunset at 7:30 p.m.
Spring Forward: The Joy of Daylight Saving Time!
Speaking of moving towards brighter days, let’s talk about March 9 when we “spring forward” for daylight saving time! We all know that feeling when the clocks move forward an hour. You might not be the biggest fan of the annual “fall back,” but hold on tight, because you’ll soon be able to enjoy those long, sunshiny evenings once again!
Why So Dark? Understanding the Science Behind It
You might be wondering why winter is so dark in the first place. Well, it all comes down to our planet’s tilt—specifically, it’s tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees! During winter, North America gets less direct sunlight, which means cooler weather and those long, dark nights. So, while the dark evenings can feel a little dreary, they also remind us just how special sunshine really is!
Final Thoughts
So, Kansas City, even if the days are short now, we can look forward to sunsets that last a little longer each day as we head into spring. Whether it’s planning cozy nights by the fire or counting down the days until those vibrant evenings return, let’s all hang in there together! Here’s to brighter days ahead!
