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Winter's Dawn: Celebrating the Solstice

The Winter Solstice, which occurred on December 21st, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, signaling the official start of winter. Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Julia Gomez from USA TODAY explore the significance of this astronomical event and how it is celebrated across different cultures. The solstice, occurring when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the sun, brings the least amount of daylight and the longest night. This year, the solstice fell on December 21st at 4:21 a.m. EST, marking the astronomical beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Historically, the Winter Solstice has been a time of celebration and reflection. Ancient civilizations, such as the Romans with their Saturnalia festival and the Norsemen with their bonfires, honored the return of the sun and the promise of longer days ahead. Today, people continue to observe the solstice with various traditions, including gatherings, feasts, and rituals that pay homage to the natural cycles of l...
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Hot, Humid Air Fuels Thunderstorm Risk in Southern Ontario

 

As the intense heat and humidity persist, southern Ontario remains under the threat of thunderstorms. High temperatures and moisture create favorable conditions for storm development, with the risk extending into the weekend.

Heat and Humidity: Key Drivers

  • Heat Dome: The Great Lakes region is currently enveloped by a heat dome, amplifying the risk of thunderstorms.
  • Unstable Atmosphere: Thursday will see an unstable atmosphere, allowing for additional thunderstorm activity.
  • Uneven Heating: Pockets of uneven heating throughout the day, along with convergence, will determine localized storm activity.

Potential Impacts

  • Severe Storms: Some thunderstorms could become severe due to torrential rainfall and locally gusty winds.
  • Heavy Rainfall: Ample moisture in the atmosphere means heavy rain, especially if storms linger over the same location.
  • Localized Flooding: Urban areas are at risk of flash flooding as storms move slowly across.

Stay Prepared

  • Widespread Heat Warnings: Temperatures soar into the 30s, feeling even hotter with the humidex.
  • Evening and Overnight Storms: Another round of thunderstorm activity is possible during these hours.


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