Blacksburg, VA – Sunday marks a major seasonal shift across Virginia as the Winter Solstice arrives this morning, bringing the shortest amount of daylight of the entire year to the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, astronomical winter officially begins at 10:03 a.m. EST Sunday, signaling the point when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest away from the sun. As a result, much of southwest and central Virginia will experience just over 9.5 hours of daylight today.
Daylight totals vary slightly by location. Roanoke is expected to receive 9 hours, 35 minutes, and 44 seconds of daylight, while Lynchburg will see 9 hours, 34 minutes, and 56 seconds. Danville will have about 9 hours, 39 minutes, while Bluefield and Blacksburg will each receive just under 9 hours and 36 minutes of daylight.
The Winter Solstice represents the shortest day and longest night of the year, but there is a silver lining. Beginning Monday, daylight will increase by small but noticeable increments each day through late June, when the Summer Solstice arrives.
Meteorologists note that while daylight begins to increase immediately after the solstice, the coldest temperatures of winter typically occur weeks later, often in January or February. Residents should still prepare for freezing temperatures, winter storms, and hazardous travel conditions in the weeks ahead.
Communities across Montgomery County, Roanoke County, Pulaski County, and surrounding parts of southwest Virginia are encouraged to remain weather-aware and plan accordingly as winter officially settles in.
