Believe it or not, the Northern Hemisphere's winter is its shortest season, ifonly by a few days. Winter lasts about 89 days in length, while summer hasabout 94 days.Lying behind this is the geometry of Earth's orbit about the sun. Enough it isto say that, because Earth's nearest approach to the sun happens on Jan. 2,EST. Its higher orbital speed scoots it through the winter quarter of orbitquicker than that of the other three seasons.
The flip side of the coin is that summer is the longest season in the NorthernHemisphere thanks to Earth's lazier pace on the corresponding leg of itsjourney.
Now, for those who happen to live 'down under,' in the Southern Hemisphere,then the facts will back up any claim of winter being 'too long.'Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Jim Andrews.
