"Winter in The Northern Hemisphere"
Astronomical winter arrives on or about December 21 in the Northern
Hemisphere. This is when the sun is located directly over the Tropic
of Capricorn, located at 23 degrees 27 minutes south latitude in the
Southern Hemisphere.
Meteorological winter usually lags behind about 25 to 30 days,
resulting in the coldest time of the year to be around the last week
in January. When it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it will be
summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
It takes 365.25 days for the Earth to make one complete revolution
around the Sun. The earth's orbit around the sun is slightly ellipitical,
with the earth closest to the sun on or about January 3, (Perihelion),
91 million miles. The earth is farthest from the sun on or about July
4th., (Aphelion), 94 milliom miles.
The earth is tilted on its axis of 23 degrees 27 minutes. The
seasons are attributed to this tilt as the earth orbits the sun.
In winter the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun. there-
fore, the nighttime hours are longer than the daytime hours. As the
earth continues its trip around the sun, the sun will appear higher
in the sky each day. The days will begin to become longer until
on March 20, the sun will be directly over the equator, (Vernal Equinox),
at this time the day and nighttime hours are each 12 hours long through-out
the world, it will than be spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
To survive winter, we must help ourselves and also help each other.
There were more deaths from excessive cold over the past 30 years than
from tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes combined. Fatalities from poisonous
gases and vapors from wood and coal fires have increased during the
winter months, from improperly installed or defective coal and gas heaters.
Studies indicate that there is a significant increase in deaths the
week following a major winter storm. Past weather patterns show us that
winter storms will continue to be killers. Winter deaths can strike
without warning.
Transportation, communication and isolation make the elderly, infirm,
and handicapped particularly suscepitible to failures of home heating
and inadequate provisions of food amd medicine.
WINTER KILLS...Unpredictable weather is often the rule rather than
the exception, particularly during the winter.
....Winter Watch For Kids....
Snowball fights, sledding down slopes and holiday presents are all
fun, but winter can be dangerous too, if you aren't careful.
1. Fireplaces, woodstoves and space heaters are hot, don't play too
close.
2. Dress carefully for playing outdoors: cap, mittens and boots.
3. Even on holidays, candles in windows are dangerous.
4. Tell mom and dad if you see any overloaded electrical sockets,
and keep the Christmas tree away from heat. If your tree needs water,
feed it.
5. Have extra blankets, maybe one on your bed.
6. At the store remind mom or dad to stock up on extras in case a
storm strands everyone at home.
7. Know where your survival supplies are, flashlight, portable radio,
first aid kit and emergency phone numbers.
8. Listen carefully to weather reports, so you can be prepared, and
be home safely before a storm.
YOU CANNOT CHANGE THE WEATHER,
BUT YOU CAN AFFECT ITS OUTCOME.
"Copyright" 1998-2011 Charles A. Giannetta
"Weather By Giannetta"
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