Paul Piorek's Blog

I Want My Voice Back!

Hello.

One week ago today I could feel the onset of a cold. My throat was scratchy and sore, I had a slight fever, and I began coughing. The next day, I completely lost my voice, and I felt miserable. Now, one week later, I still don't have my voice back. I can't even begin to share the frustration of not being able to talk without sounding hoarse or sick.

I visited my physician yesterday for the second time in five days. He told me that my laryngitis was the direct result of my cold, and I would eventually get my voice back. Unfortunately, he didn't know how much longer it would take. That was little consolation for me, since I rely on my voice during my morning and afternoon weather reports on television and radio. He gave me a prescription for cefuroxime axtil, which I have begun taking twice daily.

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords, usually due to an infection, fatigue, or irritation. A cold or sore throat can lead to laryngitis. Another cause can be overuse of your voice. This is most common among people who have to use their voices constantly. I have a sneaking suspicion that it was a little of both for me, since my voice rarely gets a rest in the morning. 

I learned that the most important thing you can do when you have laryngitis is to rest your voice. Inhaling steam can help, as can sucking on lozenges to soothe your throat. I've also been told to drink plenty of fluids, but to avoid alcohol and caffeine, which are irritating and will only make matters worse. Despite the constant urge, I was also urged not to clear my throat, too. It can increase the swelling of the vocal cords.

One newswriter put it best: "Losing your voice can be like losing an arm. Suddenly handicapped, you may find that getting through the day can be a mix of frantic gesturing and fumbling for pen and paper." That's the way I have felt over the last week. I'm hoping that by resting my voice this afternoon, getting a good night's sleep tonight, gargling with salt and warm water, and taking my medication, my voice will return very soon. Until then, please understand if I don't sound like myself.

Paul 

Winter Solstice One Week From Today

Hello.

One week from today marks the first day of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter officially arrives next Monday, December 21, at 12:47 p.m. Whenever I visit a school to conduct my Weatherkids program, many schoolchildren ask me why the start of a new season doesn't begin at midnight on a certain date, much like the beginning of a new year. The answer has to do with the Earth, the tilt on its axis, and its revolution around the Sun.

I've always maintained that the start of a new season is more of an "event" than watching the ball drop in Times Square on New Year's Eve. That's because New Year's Day is a "man-made" holiday which can arbitrarily occur at any time during a calendar year. An equinox or a solstice, however, marks a precise time when the Sun's rays strike a particular point on the face of the Earth. I try to observe the arrival of a new season, and next Monday will be no exception.

As the Earth travels around the Sun in its orbit, the North-South position of the Sun changes over the course of the year due to the changing orientation of the Earth's tilt with respect to the Sun. The dates of maximum tilt of the Earth's equator correspond to the Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice, and the dates of zero tilt correspond to the Vernal Equinox and Autumnal Equinox.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice is day of the year when the Sun is farthest South. However, in the Southern Hemisphere, the Winter and Summer Solstices are the opposite, so that the Winter Solstice occurs on the first day of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The Sun's direct rays will be over the Tropic of Capricorn next Sunday afternoon.

The Winter Solstice also marks the "shortest day" of the year in terms of daylight. The length of time elapsed between Sunrise and Sunset at the Winter Solstice is at a minimum for the year. Of course, Daylight Saving Time means that the last Sunday in March has 23 hours and the first Sunday in November has 25 hours, but it does not correspond to the actual number of daylight hours.

Finally, the shadows cast by the Sun will be at their longest next weekend, since the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky. The actual times of Sunrise and Sunset in southwestern Connecticut for the Solstice are 7:16 a.m. and 4:27 p.m., respectively. Consider that on the first day of Summer in late June, the Sun rises at 5:19 a.m. and sets at 8:30 p.m. So, next Monday's "length of day" is only nine hours and 11 minutes as opposed to 15 hours and 11 minutes exactly a half-year later.

So, as we prepare to welcome Winter, also realize that next Monday marks a turning point. The days will gradually begin to get longer from this point forward until the end of June. Things can only get brighter from here on out.

Today's weather photos come from viewer Larry Flynn. They were taken at Burying Hill Beach in Westport, located across the street from Greens Farms Academy and within walking distance to the Greens Farms railroad station. I hope you enjoy them.

 

Paul

Winter and Your Heart --- Part II

This is the second of a two-part series on Winter & Your Heart. The Winter Solstice is less than two weeks away, marking the "shortest day" of the year.

This is the time of year you must take care of yourself by eating healthy foods, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising regularly. However, that's not possible for many of us. Studies have shown that the shorter days, colder air, and snowy weather bring an increased risk of heart attacks during the Winter months. I wrote about those three factors yesterday.

Aside from the weather, which plays a significant role in our physical as well as mental health, there are four other factors this time of the year which can have an extremely adverse affect on our health. I'm sure you can guess what they are.

Stressful Season

The holiday season is a very stressful time for many of us. Often, we don't seem to have enough time in the day to get everything done. There are many errands to run, people to visit, parties to attend, shopping for gifts, and work at home and at the office. It can seem overwhelming. This can cause anxiety, lonelineness, and depression, which are also directly linked to heart attacks.

Indulging Over the Holidays

It's a fact that people tend to eat more, drink more, and gain more weight over the holidays. Whether it's the company party, a visit to Grandma's for a hearty dinner, or snacking on cookies, pastries, and sugary sweets, there's no denying that it can affect the heart. Overindulging is especially risky for those with heart disease.

Keep a watchful eye on your diet, avoid binging on fatty foods and/or alcohol, and remember to keep everything in moderation.

Flu

Not surprisingly, the flu is another major culprit responsible for the surge in heart attacks during the Winter. According to my family doctor, a flu infection may increase blood pressure, increase white blood cell activity, and change C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels in the blood, which is bad news for your heart.

The best advice? Get an annual flu shot. Studies have shown that it can cut your heart attack risk in half.

New Year's Resolutions

Many people resolve to lose weight after the holidays, and that may actually contribute to additional stress on your heart. Right after New Year's Day, millions of people join gyms or start exercise programs to get in shape. However, many tend to overexert themselves much too soon. Those with high cholesterol or high blood pressure should certainly consult their doctor about any exercise program.

The bottom line is not to overindulge, take care of yourself, and get plenty of rest. However, that's much easier said than done this time of the year.

Paul

Winter and Your Heart --- Part I

This is the first of a two-part series on Winter & Your Heart. The Winter Solstice is two weeks from today, marking the "shortest day" of the year.

The Sun is setting earlier, the days are getting shorter, and the colder air has arrived. The Winter Solstice is just about here. In fact, Winter officially arrives Monday afternoon, December 21, at 12:47. That's when the Sun's direct rays are over the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Sun rises at 7:16 in the morning and sets at 4:27 in the late afternoon on the first day of Winter. That gives us only about nine hours and 11 minutes of daylight. Fortunately, the days begin getting slightly longer from that point forward, but it will be awhile before we begin to notice any appreciable change.

Not surprisingly, our health pays the price during the coldest time of the year. The risks of having a heart attack during the Winter months are twice as high as during the Summer. Also, a heart attack suffered during the Winter is also more likely to be fatal than at any other time of the year.

There are many reasons why, and they are not necessarily related to the cold weather. Here are the most significant reasons why heart attacks are more common during the Winter:

Cold Weather

When a person gets cold, the body's automatic response to it by narrowing the blood vessels. Cutting down the blood flow to the skin means the body doesn't lose as much heat. However, for those who already have arteries filled with plaque, the narrowing of the blood vessels raises the risk that one will become blocked, triggering a heart attack. The narrowing also increases blood pressure, which can strain a diseased heart. Bundle up, take a long walk, and keep your blood flowing freely over the next three months. 

Shoveling Snow

Studies have shown that heart attack rates jump significantly in the days after a major snowstorm. The culprit? You guessed it. Shoveling snow is extremely strenuous, causing the heart to work much harder and elevating blood pressure. Add the cold temperatures, and the risk of a heart attack increases dramatically.  Shoveling heavy, wet snow is not recommended for anyone over the age of 40. However, if you must shovel, push the snow instead of lifting it, dress warmly, and take frequent breaks. Better yet, hire a youngster or purchase a snow blower.

Less Daylight

Less daylight in the Winter has been linked to depression and moodiness, which may also affect the heart. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition which plagues many people, and its affects can be particularly devastating. Studies have shown that heart attack patients have lower levels of vitamin D, which comes from sunlight, than healthy people. It is recommended that those over the age of 50 should take a daily vitamin that contains at least 400 units of vitamin D.

Cold weather, shoveling snow, and less daylight have been proven to affect the heart. Take care of yourself during the Winter by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep. Tomorrow, we'll take a look at three other factors contributing to heart attacks during this time of the year.

Paul

They Sure Don't Make 'Em Like They Used to

Hello.

"They sure don't make 'em like they used to." How many times have you heard somebody say that? It applies to just about everything these days, especially our weather. Did you know that 52 years ago today a snowstorm virtually paralyzed southwestern Connecticut? Just about a half-foot of snow fell across the region, catching most everybody, including commuters and holiday shoppers, by surprise.

Officially, 5.1 inches of snow fell in Bridgeport on Wednesday, December 4, 1957, causing one of the greatest traffic jams in that city, according to The Bridgeport Post. The front-page article said that "Downtown streets were clogged with stalled traffic. The bumper-to-bumper situation persisted for five hours, delaying thousands of homeward-bound workers." 

Many people were stranded temporarily when rides failed to show or scheduled buses ran well behind schedule. Bus lines and taxis reported many extra customers, but the traffic jam prevented them from reaching their destinations promptly. The New Haven Railroad reported that commuter trains were jammed all evening, but there were no train delays blamed on the storm.

Slowed to a snail's pace by the blinding snow, it took motorists an hour to an hour-and-a-half to travel from downtown Bridgeport to North Avenue. The greatest difficulty was crossing intersections clogged by autos inching along bumper-to-bumper. Cars standing in traffic for a prolonged period of time ran out of gas, adding to the confusion. Police noted numerous instances of car batteries and lights failing as cars stalled at intersections.

 

The weather bureau said a combination of unusual conditions caused the storm to pause at midday and strengthen a few hours later. The storm's intensification caught many people off guard and unprepared. The rapidly-falling snow created skidding hazards and all but erased the effects of the Department of Public Works' sanding operations earlier in the day. 

The snowfall was the greatest in Bridgeport since a two-day storm in March of 1956 delivered 19.4 inches. Consider that the normal average snowfall for the entire month of December is 3.6 inches. Strong winds, especially during the evening and nighttime hours, caused considerable drifting of the snow 52 years ago today. Winds gusted over 35 to 40 miles an hour. 

I wonder how many people remember that storm? If you do, I'd like to hear from you. I can only imagine what it must have been like for stranded motorists. They sure don't make 'em like they used to!

Paul

Still Dreaming of a White Christmas

Hello.

Christmas is exactly three weeks from tomorrow, and I've already heard the classic Bing Crosby song White Christmas more times than I care to remember. I enjoy whistling along with Bing, but it's certainly a lot more enjoyable when there is snow on the ground. Some light rain will change to light snow Saturday afternoon and evening, but it shouldn't be anything to write home about.

Just about everybody has asked me if we'll have snow on the ground come Christmas morning. Although I can't answer the question definitively, daytime temperatures should remain in the 40s over the next seven days. The overnight low temperatures will hold in the 30s through the period. However, it looks like another rain event will plague us by the middle of next week. There isn't any measurable snow in the seven-day forecast.

Here in southwestern Connecticut, weather records have been kept for a long time. Our climatology is based on record-keeping over a 40-year period. Based on the last 40 years, shoreline communities such as Stamford, Darien, Stratford, and Milford have a 30% chance of seeing at least one inch of snow on the ground by December 25. There's a 10% chance of at least five inches of snow on the ground by then. However, we have a zero percent probability of having ten inches of snow or more on our front lawns by Christmas morning.

Take a look at the following map which indicates the probability of a white Christmas. The color-coded scale is below the map.

Inland, the odds are more favorable. People living north of the Merritt or Wilbur Cross parkways have a 57% chance of at least one inch of snow for Christmas. The odds are slightly lower than one-in-four (23%) for five inches of snow, and quite slim (3%) for at least ten inches of snow. However, residents in Wilton, Redding, Easton, and Woodbridge have a much better opportunity of seeing snow on the ground than their shoreline counterparts.

As far as the rest of New England is concerned, northern Connecticut and southern Massachusetts have about a 40 to 60% chance of at least one inch of snow; central New England's chances improve to 60 to 80 percent; and northern New England (80 to 100%) is virtualy assured of having a White Christmas.

One of the more memorable snowstorms which occured in late December was the Christmas Eve storm of 1966. We received over a half-foot of snow (6.9"), making roads quite slippery and travel very difficult. I distinctly remember my family on our way to visit my grandmother in the snow, but my parents deciding the drive wasn't worth the risk. We turned around and headed for home, but the car slid several times on the snowy roadways.

Another recent snow occurred on Christmas Day, 2002. Some light snow happened early that morning, but a steadier and heavier snow developed by later in the afternoon and evening. The snow totals were quite impressive locally. Darien received 10 inches of snow by the time the storm exited the following day. Redding (9.5"), New Canaan (9.2"), Norwalk (7.0"), Greenwich (7.0"), and Westport (6.5") each saw at least a half-foot of snow!

The one thing I remember that year was dragging my then-eight-year-old son into the News 12 Connecticut weathercenter at 3 o'clock Christmas morning. He was half asleep when I carried him into the car, and he wasn't even aware it was Christmas morning until we arrived at the weathercenter. Fortunately, he and I were good natured about the entire experience, and it's something we'll never forget.

On the flip side, I'm sure you recall December of  2006. The afternoon high temperatures from December 23 to 26 reached 58, 52, 44, and 50 degrees respectively, well above the 38-degree normal high. Over an inch of rain fell December 23 (1.15") and over a quarter-inch (0.28") was recorded on Christmas Day. We were left dreaming of snow for quite some time.

Just keep singing and humming along with Bing Crosby. Maybe it will work!

Paul

Hello.

Christmas is exactly three weeks from tomorrow, and I've already heard the classic Bing Crosby song White Christmas more times than I care to remember. I enjoy whistling along with Bing, but it's certainly a lot more enjoyable when there is snow on the ground. Some light rain will change to light snow Saturday afternoon and evening, but it shouldn't be anything to write home about.

Just about everybody has asked me if we'll have snow on the ground come Christmas morning. Although I can't answer the question definitively, daytime temperatures should remain in the 40s over the next seven days. The overnight low temperatures will hold in the 30s through the period. However, it looks like another rain event will plague us by the middle of next week. There isn't any measurable snow in the seven-day forecast.

Here in southwestern Connecticut, weather records have been kept for a long time. Our climatology is based on record-keeping over a 40-year period. Based on the last 40 years, shoreline communities such as Stamford, Darien, Stratford, and Milford have a 30% chance of seeing at least one inch of snow on the ground by December 25. There's a 10% chance of at least five inches of snow on the ground by then. However, we have a zero percent probability of having ten inches of snow or more on our front lawns by Christmas morning.

Take a look at the following map which indicates the probability of a white Christmas. The color-coded scale is below the map.

Inland, the odds are more favorable. People living north of the Merritt or Wilbur Cross parkways have a 57% chance of at least one inch of snow for Christmas. The odds are slightly lower than one-in-four (23%) for five inches of snow, and quite slim (3%) for at least ten inches of snow. However, residents in Wilton, Redding, Easton, and Woodbridge have a much better opportunity of seeing snow on the ground than their shoreline counterparts.

As far as the rest of New England is concerned, northern Connecticut and southern Massachusetts have about a 40 to 60% chance of at least one inch of snow; central New England's chances improve to 60 to 80 percent; and northern New England (80 to 100%) is virtualy assured of having a White Christmas.

One of the more memorable snowstorms which occured in late December was the Christmas Eve storm of 1966. We received over a half-foot of snow (6.9"), making roads quite slippery and travel very difficult. I distinctly remember my family on our way to visit my grandmother in the snow, but my parents deciding the drive wasn't worth the risk. We turned around and headed for home, but the car slid several times on the snowy roadways.

Another recent snow occurred on Christmas Day, 2002. Some light snow happened early that morning, but a steadier and heavier snow developed by later in the afternoon and evening. The snow totals were quite impressive locally. Darien received 10 inches of snow by the time the storm exited the following day. Redding (9.5"), New Canaan (9.2"), Norwalk (7.0"), Greenwich (7.0"), and Westport (6.5") each saw at least a half-foot of snow!

The one thing I remember that year was dragging my then-eight-year-old son into the News 12 Connecticut weathercenter at 3 o'clock Christmas morning. He was half asleep when I carried him into the car, and he wasn't even aware it was Christmas morning until we arrived at the weathercenter. Fortunately, he and I were good natured about the entire experience, and it's something we'll never forget.

On the flip side, I'm sure you recall December of  2006. The afternoon high temperatures from December 23 to 26 reached 58, 52, 44, and 50 degrees respectively, well above the 38-degree normal high. Over an inch of rain fell December 23 (1.15") and over a quarter-inch (0.28") was recorded on Christmas Day. We were left dreaming of snow for quite some time.

Just keep singing and humming along with Bing Crosby. Maybe it will work!

Paul

November Was Warmer & Drier Than Normal

Hello.

We've been riding a meteorological roller coaster the first three days of December. Wednesday morning was clear, frosty, and cold with daybreak temperatures falling into the 20s well inland. This morning, however, was a completely different story with over an inch of rain, gusty winds, and morning "lows" in the lower 60s. You'd better hang on, because colder air returns tonight, and Friday will be mostly sunny and chilly.

In case you're wondering, the official climatological data for November at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford has been tabulated, and the month was warmer and drier than normal. The average monthly temperature was 48.9 degrees, which was nearly four degrees (3.8) above the normal average, while just a little more than two-and-a-half inches (2.51") of rain fell, well below the 3.65" normal. The numbers aren't that surprising.

Other than a five-day stretch of below-normal daily temperatures from November 3 through November 7, the remainder of the month was much warmer than normal. The mercury reached at least 60 degrees five times, peaking at 66 degrees on November 15. The warmest stretch of the month happened during a three-day period from November 8 through 10 when the high temperatures were 61, 62, and 63 degrees, respectively.

There were only ten days with measured rain during November, three of which brought no more than two-hundredths of an inch. The wettest day of the month was November 20 when nearly an inch (0.98") of rain fell, while over three-quarters of an inch (0.76") were recorded on November 13 and 14. The longest dry stretch happened from November 6 through November 11, and the first 11 days of the month brought only two days with measured rain.

Here are some more tid-bits from November. As far as sky conditions go, 14 days --- or just about half the month --- featured clear skies, while six days were partly cloudy, and nine days were mostly cloudy. The coldest temperature was 30 degrees on the morning of November 7.In fact, there were only nine days the entire month when the mercury fell into the 30s. The warmest "low" temperature was 52 degrees on the morning of November 15.

Thankfully, our weather will begin to settle down later today and tonight. Although it will remain windy through this afternoon, the heavy rain of last night has moved away. Tonight will be mosty clear, breezy, and colder with low temperatures in the 30s inland and close to 40 along the shoreline. Friday will bring a mix of sun and clouds with a high close to 50.

Paul

Clear & Cold Night to be Illuminated by the Full Cold Night Moon

Hello.

Another clear and cold night is ahead. Daybreak temperatures will drop close to 30 degrees well inland and into the mid 30s along the immediate shoreline. Wednesday morning is sure to be another frosty one, and I’m sure you’ll need to warm up the car once again. However, the night will be illuminated by the Full Long Night Moon, which happens at 2:33 tomorrow morning.

Why is it called the Full Long Night Moon? During December, the Winter cold fastens its grip in the Northern Hemisphere, and nights are at their longest and darkest. The term Long Night Moon is also an appropriate name because the early Winter night is long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun.

In fact, the December Full Moon has been referred to as the Oak Moon, the Frost Moon, the Cold Moon, and the Moon Before Yule. No matter what the name, the Full Moon in December is directly opposite the Sun; therefore it is out for a long time. The Full Moon climbed above the horizon at 5:05 Sunday evening and set at 8:56 this morning. That means the Moon was out for almost 16 hours!

Since the Moon appears to follow nearly the same path as the Sun in the sky, the amount of time the Moon spends above the horizon varies as it orbits the Earth. The Moon is Full when it is opposite the Sun in the sky, so a Full Moon rises roughly at sunset and sets at sunrise. Therefore, we only see Full Moons at night.

Six months from now, on the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year when the Sun spends the most time above the horizon, the Full Moon spends the least amount of time above the horizon. On the other hand, on the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year when the Sun spends the least time above the horizon, the Full Moon spends the most amount of time above the horizon. The time spent above the horizon each night for the Full Moon varies throughout the year about as much as the length of the day.

As for our weather, it will turn wet, windy, and colder over the next few days. In fact, a storm system will deliver moderate to possibly heavy rain tomorrow night into Thursday morning, and then gusty winds are likely through Thursday. Temperatures will hold in the 40s from Friday through the upcoming weekend. The cold air will be here for awhile.

Paul

Taking a Peek Ahead to December

Hello.   

The start of the Winter season is officially three weeks away. The Winter Solstice occurs at 12:47 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday, December 21, technically making it the “shortest” day of the year in terms of sunlight. Sunrise happens at 7:15, while the Sun sets at 4:26 on that day.

There are two full Moons in December! The full Cold Moon, otherwise known as the full Long Nights Moon, happens this Wednesday morning, December 2, at 2:33. It is sometimes called the “Moon before Yule.” The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long and the Moon is above the horizon a long time. The midwinter full Moon takes a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite to the low Sun.

The Moon will be full again on New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31, at 2:15 p.m. EST. This is known as the Blue Moon, which happens when the full Moon happens twice in the same month. The second definition of a Blue Moon is when there are four full Moons in one season; the third full Moon is considered the Blue Moon. 

As one would expect, the average temperatures in December start taking a nosedive based on 40 years of averages, or what we call climatology. The average high temperature drops from 46 degrees on the first of the month to just 37 degrees on New Year’s Eve. The average daily temperature falls from 39 degrees to 30 degrees over the next 31 days.

The record high temperature for the month is 76 degrees, established on December 7, 1998. The coldest days ever for December happened on Christmas Day, December 25, 1980, and the next day, December 26, 1980, when an all-time low of -4 was recorded at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford.

As far as precipitation is concerned, the average for the month is 3.47 inches. The wettest December on record happened in 1972 when 7.87 inches fell at the airport. Heavy rain plagued southwestern Connecticut last December 11 and 12 when 3.54 inches of rain fell over those two days, which is more than the average for the entire month. The driest December was in 1955 when only 0.33 inches filled the gauge. The average monthly snowfall is about 3.6 inches.

The snowiest day on record this month happened on December 9, 1948, when sixteen inches fell across southwestern Connecticut. Ten inches of snow fell on December 30, 2000. One of the more memorable snowstorms this month occurred on Christmas Eve, 1966, when seven inches fell. You may remember that 3.5 inches of snow fell last New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2008.

Although the time of sunrise gets later through the month, the Sun sets later and later, too. Today, for example, the Sun sets at 4:25, which is only one minute after the earliest Sunset in mid December. However, by New Year’s Eve, the Sun will fall below the horizon at 4:33. So, we’ll gain nearly 10 minutes of daylight in the evening through the end of the month.

Happy December!

Paul

Coming Home in the Dark

Hello.

After nearly 15 years of working the early-morning shift, I suppose I’ve gotten used to getting up and driving to work in the dark. However, I have an especially difficult time with the Sun setting so early in the afternoon. It seems that there is very little time to do anything outside before it gets dark. In fact, one of the late buses from our neighborhood school arrived just before 5 o’clock last night when it was completely dark out. I don’t like it.

Those who work the 9-to-5 shift are coming home in the dark now. Sunset this afternoon is at 4:37. And, it only gets earlier over the next two months. By the middle of November, the Sun sets at 4:33, and by the end of the month, Sunset is at 4:24. The earliest time the Sun sets at our latitude is 4:23 in early December. That is a striking contrast to late June, when the latest Sunset in southwestern Connecticut happens at 8:30.

Psychologically, the darker afternoons and evenings affect many people. You’ve no doubt heard about Seasonal Affective Disorder. According to the National Mental Health Association, some people suffer from symptoms of depression during the Winter months, with those symptoms subsiding during the Spring and Summer. This may be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes and related to seasonal variations of light.

How does SAD affect people? People with the disorder frequently experience the following:

• Sleep problems – oversleeping but not refreshed, cannot get out of bed, needing a nap in the afternoon
• Overeating – carbohydrate craving leading to weight gain
• Depression, despair, misery, guilt, anxiety – normal tasks become frustratingly difficult
• Family / social problems – avoiding company, irritability, loss of libido, loss of feeling
• Lethargy – too tired to cope, everything an effort
• Physical symptoms – often joint pain or stomach problems, lowered resistance to infection
• Behavioral problems – especially in young people

Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, has been linked to SAD. This hormone, which may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases.

Phototherapy or bright light therapy has been shown to suppress the brain’s secretion of melatonin. Although, there have been no research findings to definitely link this therapy with an antidepressant effect, many people respond to this treatment.

I admit, the early darkness always shocks me in early November. Remember, it was only two months ago we were still enjoying Summer and relatively brighter evenings. The Sun set at 7:25 on the first day of September. Seemingly, in the blink of an eye, we’re less than seven weeks from the first day of Winter. Yeah, it’s a bummer, to be sure.

Personally, the only positive about the longer nights is the relative ease of falling asleep. I actually feel as though I should be going to bed at 8:30, even though it’s an early time by most people’s standards. During the Summer, it’s virtually impossible to fall asleep when the Sun is still shining, my son is playing, and I hear people laughing and talking outside. I actually embrace the darker evenings for that reason alone. After all, the 2 o’clock alarm is not a “friend,” no matter the time of the year.

So, if you don’t enjoy the shorter days and longer nights, we have less than seven weeks before the length of daylight begins to increase once again. The first day of Winter is technically “the shortest day of the year.” Before you know it, the evenings will start getting a little brighter once more.

It can’t get here fast enough!

Paul