Pakistan, like many countries across the Northern Hemisphere, is witnessing the shortest day and longest night of the year today as the winter solstice takes effect nationwide. This astronomical event marks a key seasonal transition.
In Lahore and nearby areas, daylight lasts around 10 hours and 10 minutes, while nighttime extends to nearly 13 hours and 50 minutes. Meanwhile, other cities across Pakistan experience slight variations.
Read more : Last supermoon of 2025 to dazzle skies over Pakistan
Across the Northern Hemisphere, December 21 brings the shortest daylight period of the year, as the sun appears at its lowest position in the sky. Consequently, nights become noticeably longer.
The winter solstice occurs due to the Earth’s tilted axis, which causes one hemisphere to lean farthest away from the sun. As a result, sunlight spreads over a wider area, reducing daytime duration.
Read more : Antarctic researchers mark winter solstice with icy plunge
At this point, the sun reaches its southernmost position, directly above the Tropic of Capricorn, before appearing to pause briefly. Afterwards, it gradually begins moving northward again.
Meteorologists note that following the solstice, daylight hours will slowly increase each day, signaling the gradual approach of spring, although colder weather typically persists across the country.