When does winter start? Here's what to know about the winter solstice ❄️
Grace Tucker
What really marks the start of the winter season?
Some may say it's the day we need to use our car defrosters, or when Starbucks' winter cups return. Others point to the end of daylight saving time, when the days become shorter.
Luckily, astronomers and meteorologists give us some options. According to the Farmers' Almanac, winter officially starts Dec. 1 or Dec. 21, depending on the meteorological and astronomical start of the season.
The Farmers' Almanac also provides an extended weather forecast for the 2023-24 winter season, as an El Niño moves into the region.
Here's everything you need to know about the start of winter and what weather conditions to expect this season.
When does winter start?
The astronomical first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere is Dec. 21, according to the Farmers' Almanac. It is marked by the winter solstice, which is when we have the shortest day and longest night of the year in terms of daylight.
"Regardless of what the weather is doing outside your window, the solstice marks the official start of winter," the Almanac says.
The meteorological start of winter is Dec. 1.
What's the difference between astronomical and meteorological start dates?
The astronomical start date of a season is based on the position of the sun in relation to Earth, whereas the meteorological start date is based on our 12-month calendar and the annual temperature cycle, according to the Almanac.
When is the winter solstice?
The winter solstice occurs Dec. 21 at 10:27 p.m. ET for the Northern Hemisphere.
What is the winter solstice?
The winter solstice occurs each year on June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere, and on Dec. 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere when Earth reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun. It's the shortest day and longest night of the year in terms of daylight. Days become shorter leading up to the winter solstice, and get longer following it.
The longest day of the year comes during the summer solstice, which is the astronomical start of summer. During this solstice, the Earth reaches its maximum tilt toward the sun.
El Niño winter forecast
The Farmers' Almanac predicts a "cold, stormy" winter in Ohio.
However, Kristen Cassady, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio, said Ohioans can expect warmer winter conditions this year due to an El Niño climate pattern moving into the region. The National Weather Service also says to expect less precipitation and higher temperatures.
El Niño, which translates to "little boy" in Spanish, is associated with a warm band of water running along the central and eastern parts of the Pacific Ocean.