Here's another point to ponder. This Thursday marks the midway point of Summer vacation for schoolchildren across southwestern Connecticut. How is that possible? It seems like only yesterday we were helping them celebrate the last day of school. That was five weeks ago Thursday. In just a little more than five short weeks, the students and teachers will be heading back to the classroom once again.
The days are indeed getting "shorter." In fact, we have lost over a half-hour (35 minutes) of daylight since the first day of Summer. Sunrise on June 21st happened at 5:19. This morning's Sunrise was at 5:41, 22 minutes later. Sunset is now at 8:17, 13 minutes before the latest Sunset, at 8:30, on the Solstice.
By the end of the month, Sunrise occurs at 5:47, while the Sun sets at 8:10. Two weeks later, by mid-August, the shorter days become even more pronounced, with Sunrise and Sunset times at 6:02 and 7:51, respectively. The "shorter" days have to do with the Earth's revolution around the Sun, and the 23.5 degree tilt on its axis. By the end of September, the Autumnal Equinox begins a six-month period of longer nights and shorter days in the Northern Hemisphere.
Need further proof that we're moving through Summer rather quickly? NFL owners and players agreed early today to the terms of a deal to end the lockout. If players sign off on the agreement, NFL clubs would be able to start signing 2011 draft picks and rookie free agents tomorrow, and training camps would open for 10 of the 32 teams this Wednesday.
Today's weather will be quite different from last week's heat wave. Some showers and a possible thunderstorm are likely today as an East wind keeps the temperature in the 70s. More showers and a thunderstorm are possible tonight with lows of 62 to 68. Tomorrow will be partly sunny and warmer with a high near 85 degrees. The heat and humidity will build before the end of the week. Remember, it's still Summer!
Paul
