Believe it or not, the days are indeed getting "shorter." In fact, we have lost nearly 40 minutes of daylight since the first day of Summer. Sunrise on June 21st happened at 5:19. This morning's Sunrise was at 5:44, 25 minutes later. Sunset is now at 8:16, 14 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? My favorite NFL team, the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, opens training camp next Wednesday, July 29, in Foxboro, Massachsetts. Their first exhibition game is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, at home against the Green Bay Packers. That's less than three weeks away! Before you know it, the regular season will be here.
Make sure you get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather day. Some clouds will build into the region later this afternoon as high temperatures reach into the 80s. Tonight will be mostly cloudy and more humid with a possible shower or thunderstorm. The first heat wave of the season is possible by the middle of next week.
Paul
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