The shortest day of the year is less than two weeks away, but many Wisconsinites are likely already looking forward to the return of daylight saving time — which will bring longer days and later sunsets.

As of Dec. 8, the sun is setting around 4:18 p.m. in Milwaukee, timeanddate.com shows. While daylight hours are gradually increasing, there’s still a bit of time before Milwaukee will see another 5 p.m. sunset.

Here’s what to know as we approach the winter solstice:

When will the sun start setting after 5 p.m. in Milwaukee?

In 2026, the first sunset after 5 p.m. in Milwaukee will be on Jan. 29, according to timeanddate.com. On this day, the sun will rise at 7:09 a.m. and set at 5 p.m. — giving the Cream City nine hours and 51 minutes of daylight.

When does daylight savings time begin in 2026?

Daylight saving time begins March 8, 2026 between 2 and 3 a.m.

More: Does daylight saving time 2025 end this weekend in Wisconsin? When does the time change?

When will the days get longer in Milwaukee again this winter?

Here’s an overview of when Milwaukee will start seeing longer days, according to data from timeanddate.com:

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee police say two people were shot and wounded near 35th and Pierce on the city’s south side on Sunday evening, Dec. 7.

35th and Pierce shooting

What we know:

Officials said the shooting happened around 7 p.m. Sunday. 

Two people, ages 19 and 35, suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to a hospital for treatment.

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The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation.  

Call with tips

What you can do:

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or P3 Tips.

Milwaukee police say two people died in a murder-suicide following a domestic dispute early Sunday morning in the Silver Spring neighborhood.

The double fatal shooting happened around 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 7 in the 5600 block of North 78th Street, near the intersection of West Silver Spring Drive and Highway 145.

The Milwaukee Police Department said a 45-year-old man fired shots during a domestic dispute, striking a 41-year-old who sustained fatal injuries. Police did not provide the gender of the victim.

The 45-year-old man then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police are investigating the circumstances. Anyone with information is asked to call Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips.

Wisconsin saw record domestic violence deaths last year

Wisconsin saw 99 domestic violence deaths in 2024, according to a report from End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, the highest number since the organization began tracking data in 2000.

The analysis included the deaths of perpetrators who died by suicide or law enforcement action.

Meanwhile, more than 100 organizations across the state are struggling as funds dry up through the Victims of Crime Act fund, known as VOCA.

The federal fund pays for domestic violence hotlines, child abuse advocacy centers and other services for crime victims across Wisconsin.

More: These groups help crime victims. Trump’s anti-DEI push is putting them on the defensive.

Where to find help for domestic violence or sexual assault

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline is (800) 799-7233.
• End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin shares helplines and culturally specific resources for assistance at www.endabusewi.org/get-help/.
• The National Sexual Assault Hotline is (800) 656-4673. You can also text HOPE to 64673.
• Access the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault resource guide for Wisconsin-based help providers at www.wcasa.org/survivors/service-providers/.