Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, was last Thursday, December 21. This also officially marked the start of the winter season that ends in March 19, 2024.
On this day, Canada and other countries near the North Pole, experienced only seven hours and 14 minutes of daylight. This is six hours and 31 minutes shorter than the Summer Solstice on June 21 this year.
During the winter solstice, the North Pole is tilted farthest from the sun. Hence, the very cold weather and shorter days.
Better Protected
In Toronto particularly, it has been freezing cold in the past few weeks. Temperature since November ranged from 14 degrees down to -2 degrees Celsius with occasional flurries, snow bursts, rain showers and strong chilly wind.
Because of these, there was a noticeable increase in incidents of fever, colds and coughing, especially among schoolchildren and the elderly.
To protect myself, a certified senior citizen, I walked in for a flu shot at Costco, the third largest retailer of food and goods in the world.
The Canadian government aggressively encourages all to go for a flu shot at designated pharmacies and stores at no cost. They discriminate no one, not even a temporary visitor like me.
Ill-Timed Visit?
Costco pharmacist Adnan, of East Indian descent, was very accommodating. During the inoculation, he expressed wonder why I visited in the wintertime.
Adnan said he and his friends are leaving soon for a winter respite in the Philippines.
This side of Canada is infamous for its bitter cold winter. In other parts of the year, day-to-day weather in Ontario is variable though the weather prediction is fairly accurate. Autumn and spring can be wintery while summer is warm during the day and still cold at night.
Still Among Favorites
Adnan and friends are not the only ones from this side of the globe who plan ahead for a break from the freezing winter. Americans and Europeans prefer to hie off to tropical countries for "the sun of it".
Philippine beaches "like no other" are among Adnan's favorites that they don't fail to include in their itinerary. Among their preferred must-go-to spots are Boracay, Siargao and La Union.
Temperature in the Philippines is pretty uniform throughout the year. In most places in December, the thermal reading is between 25°C and 32°C.
Typhoon Anytime
Adnan is right that the best time to visit the Philippines and enjoy sites is from December to February when it is comfortably about 23.8°C to 31°C.
Constant as temperature could get, since Philippine weather is very unpredictable. Typhoons and tropical depressions could occur any time of the year, even in December and January.
Wet season is between May and October. Even so, heavy or light rain is a common occurrence that could somehow impact on interisland travel plans to enjoy world-famous beaches, surfing sites, unusual caves, lush surrounds, and historical monuments.
White Christmas
As Adnan and company get a taste of warm winter in the Philippines, here I am, experiencing what they are avoiding.
At the very start of winter last Thursday, temperature in Toronto ranged from -4°C to -5°C the whole day while in Montreal, the average was -7°C.
Environment Canada and the Farmers Almanac forecasted "a colder than normal" winter this time in the whole of Southern Ontario. No snowstorm is expected, though.
Imagine progressing winter chill? The lowest temperature in Toronto this year was recorded on February 3 at -20.5°C. Blaming the polar vortex, the coldest day on Earth this year was in January 16 at -62.4°C from Siberia that swept through Canada two days later.
Wait what February 2024 brings!
As I write this piece, snow bursts have started.
On Monday, Christmas day, more snow are expected. Perhaps not enough to cover the whole city but just the same it is my version of a White Christmas.
A very Merry Christmas everyone!
(email opinyon.luchie@gmail.com.)
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