Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The East Coast has officially reached a seasonal milestone, with longer days now arriving faster than at any other point in the year.
According to the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, Wednesday marks “Solar Spring,” the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. From this point forward, the region experiences its most rapid daily increase in daylight, gaining more than two minutes of sunlight each day—a trend that will continue through May.
For residents across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, the change means later sunsets, brighter evenings, and more daylight during the commute home. Travel along major corridors such as Interstate 95, Interstate 76, Interstate 295, and Interstate 78 will increasingly take place under daylight rather than darkness.
While temperatures may still feel wintry at times, the lengthening days often provide a psychological boost, signaling the gradual transition toward spring. Meteorologists note that daylight—not temperature—is one of the earliest and most reliable signs of seasonal change.
The growing sunlight can also improve visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists during peak evening hours, especially along busy urban roadways and suburban connectors. Morning darkness will still linger for a few weeks, but evening daylight gains will be noticeable almost immediately.
The National Weather Service emphasizes that daylight will continue increasing every single day until the Summer Solstice in June, though the fastest gains occur now through late spring. By early March, many East Coast cities will see sunsets after 6 p.m., with even later sunsets arriving soon after.
For students, commuters, and outdoor workers traveling along I-95 and surrounding highways, the longer days may make daily routines feel a little easier—and a little brighter.
No hazards or advisories are associated with this milestone, but it serves as a reminder that spring is approaching, one extra minute of sunshine at a time.
