What is winter?
Winter is one of the four seasons of the year, beginning in late autumn and ending in early spring. In Brazil, it starts on the day June 20th or 21st and ends on September 22nd or 23rd.
It is the coldest season of the year, with falling temperatures and, in some places, snowfall. The word "winter" comes from Latin hibernu, which means "winter time".
When does winter begin?
O Winter Solstice marks the beginning of the season that lasts until the spring equinox.
At that time, a part of the Earth is less illuminated by the sun's rays, giving rise to shorter days and longer nights.
For this reason, in the terrestrial hemispheres, the seasons happen at different times, and the winter dates in each are:
- South hemisphere: also called Wintersouthern, it starts on June 20th or 21st and ends on September 22nd or 23rd.
- North hemisphere: called Winterboreal, it starts on December 21st or 22nd and ends on March 20th or 21st.
What are the characteristics of winter?
- Cold and dry climate
- Low air humidity
- lack of rain
- Strong winds
- frost and snow
- shorter days
- longer nights
It is worth noting that an increase in respiratory illnesses, as well as infections, is very common at this time. This is because the characteristics of the season favor the presence of bacteria and viruses.
winter in Brazil
In Brazil, winter starts on the day June 21st and ends on September 23rd. In most of the country, winter is not harsh due to its location in relation to the equator.
The most intense cold is felt especially in the southern region, where it can snow and temperatures remain negative. Just out of curiosity: in 1996, the state of Santa Catarina recorded a temperature of -16 °C.
In the North region, located in an intertropical convergence zone, there is a lot of rain in winter.
This is because it is a place with many rivers and dense vegetation. In this way, the temperature drops, but not enough to prevent water evaporation and cloud formation.
The Importance of Winter to Life on Earth
Winter, like all seasons of the year, has its importance for the balance of nature. Without it, the renewal of life on the planet would be impossible.
Some animal species, for example, hibernate in winter, that is, they sleep for a long period of time, since in some places food becomes scarce at that time.
Likewise, for vegetation, this season is also very important for renewal. At that moment, due to the low temperatures, the trees only live with what is necessary for their survival, dropping their leaves and fruits.
Learn about the other seasons of the year:
- The seasons of the year
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
