The shortest days of the year occur during the winter solstice. However, these days do not coincide with the coldest temperatures. This phenomenon can confuse many. You might expect that less sunlight means colder weather, but that’s not the case.
Instead, the coldest days typically follow the solstice, thanks to a concept called thermal inertia. Essentially, it takes time for the Earth’s surface to cool down after absorbing heat. Consequently, winter weather can remain cold even as daylight begins to increase.
Understanding the Science Behind Seasons
Heat retention plays a critical role in temperature fluctuations. After the solstice, there’s still plenty of sunlight, but the Earth continues to release heat. This interaction between sunlight and the atmosphere keeps temperatures from plummeting immediately.