A dangerous winter storm and punishing Arctic blast are brewing, but if you're longing for more sunlight, Wednesday is a day to celebrate: Dec. 21 is the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year - and first day of astronomical winter - in the Northern Hemisphere. It's a sign that longer, brighter days are upon us.
The second and final solstice of 2022 arrives within about an hour of sunset across the eastern third of the United States, at 4:48 p.m. Eastern time.