So shut have we now journeyed towards the precincts of winter, that on Friday — solely 5 days from the solstice — the alert and observant might need anticipated indicators of its proximity.
Washington, D.C
Five days from solstice, Friday still lacked winter feel
With temperatures that surpassed 50 levels and with ample December sunshine, Friday appeared a snug day. Particularly was this so if we may select to avail ourselves of the solar.
Even at its weakest and lowest level in our skies, Friday’s solar may create consolation and make us assured that we had absorbed the heat that it might present.
In Washington, the official excessive studying was 53 levels, 4 above the typical for Dec. 16, solely 15 days from the brand new yr.
On Thursday, with its grey skies and hours of rain, we’d have absorbed the concept that on the fifteenth of December, winter had taken up its weeks-long keep right here, and that we’d as nicely welcome the brand new arrival.
However after we ventured outside Friday, we’d have been shocked. Winter might clearly be on its method but it surely was not right here fairly but. Blue skies contributed to that sense. At round lunch time, when many emerged from buildings — maybe considerably warily — in search of sustenance, it could have been a shock to really feel the heat.