Chicago, we’ve got some news that’ll turn your frown upside down! The beginnings of a brighter future are upon us, literally! For the next 200+ days, we will get to embrace the sun for longer as our much-needed source of Vitamin D is officially starting to set after 5 p.m.
Say goodbye to that dark 4 p.m. walks as the sun will be out and shining longer! That means the dark days of winter are almost behind us, leading to extended days. Even as snow and chilling cold temps descend upon the Windy City, we’re still excited about the sun’s return!
While temperatures are currently 20 degrees below normal for this particular time of year, we’re on the right path toward springtime.
If you're not a fan of cold and snow here's some positive news. Friday marks our first 5pm or later sunset. We gain 1 hr 17 min of daylight in the next month and more than two hours by the Vernal Equinox. #Chicago pic.twitter.com/TjMGUFVML6
— Bill Snyder (@billyweather) January 25, 2023
Plus, according to a groundhog, we’re getting six more weeks of winter! During an annual Groundhog Day celebration in Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil predicted a longer winter. But, New York’s New City’s Staten Island resident groundhog, Chuck, let us know that there would be an early spring! Who’s to say?
Either way, around this time of year, Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder can be a lot. Usually, it occurs when we see less sunlight. Also commonly referred to as SAD, we hope your seasonal fatigue is on the upswing as you try to embrace the weather and bask in the sunshine!
Despite the groundhogs: Going forward Chicago will start observing more than 10 hours of daylight, which is a remarkable change from the past two months when sunsets came along all too soon starting in November!
Now, we’ll exceed 11 hours of daylight starting this month. On February 23rd, daily sunsets will start at 5:40 p.m.
As for what we’re looking forward to? On February 3rd, we’ll see Chicago’s first sunrise prior to 7 a.m.— the first time since December 3rd of last year. Moving into the summer, the latest sunset of the year will be on June 27th as the sun will set at 8:31 p.m. As daylight hours get longer, the summer solstice will start on June 21, bringing 15 hours and 17 minutes of daylight. Cheers!