Winter

Winter is one of the four seasons of temperate zones. Astronomically, it begins with the winter solstice (around December 21 in the Northern hemisphere and June 21 in the Southern hemisphere), and ends with the spring equinox (around March 21 in the Northern hemisphere and September 23 in the Southern hemisphere). In meteorology, it is by convention counted instead as the whole months of June, July and August in the Southern hemisphere and December, January and February in the Northern hemisphere.

Meteorological aspects

Meteorological winter is the season having the shortest days (which vary greatly according to latitude) and the lowest temperatures. Nighttime predominates the winter season, and in some regions it has the highest rate of precipitation, as well as prolonged dampness due to permanent snow cover in such areas. Measured astronomically, winter begins on the shortest day of the year, and each day of winter has more sunlight than the previous one.

Related Topics:
Meteorological - Latitude - Precipitation

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During winter, there is much snow and cold, especially in areas that are farther away from the Equator. Blizzards often develop and cause many delays. A rare meteorological phenomenon encountered during winter is ice fog, which is composed of ice crystals suspended in the air and happening only at very low temperatures (at least 10 degrees below zero).

Related Topics:
Equator - Blizzards - Ice fog - Ice crystal

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