Here's another point to ponder. This Sunday marks the midway point of Summer vacation for my younger son. How is that possible? It seems like only yesterday we were helping them celebrate the last day of school. That was more than four weeks ago. In less 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 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 5:43, 24 minutes later. Sunset is now at 8:15, 15 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 New England Patriots, open training camp today. Their first exhibition game is less than two weeks away, Thursday, August 9, against the Eagles in Philadelphia. Before you know it, the regular season will be here.
Our weather will improve today under developing sunshine and warmer temperatures. Today's high will reach close to 80 degrees, which is slightly below normal for this time of the year. Tomorrow will feature a mix of sun and clouds, but it will be more humid, with a high in the low 80s. Sunday will be warm and humid with scattered thunderstorms and a high in the low 80s. Have a good weekend.
Paul
