This Friday will be the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, where Jamaica happens to be located.

But, while this may be so, it does not mean that you need to break your neck in a rush, fearing the sun will set midway through your shopping or during your late breakfast. The difference may even go unnoticed.

Generally, it is taught in geography that the sunset occurs the earliest on December 7 every year in the Northern Hemisphere - north of the Equator, even though the shortest day is slated as being two weeks later.

It may seem confusing, to say the least, as it would only seem logical for the sun to set early on the 'shortest day', signalling an early end to daytime. But, this is not the case. According to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica December 21 is recorded as the Northern Hemisphere's shortest day, it is not to be perceived that a drastic cut in the amount of hours in the day will occur.

"When one speaks of the shortest day in relation to Jamaica, it does not refer to hours. Really, it may just be a few minutes," said Adrian Shaw, meteorologist at Met Service. "A difference of five or so minutes in comparison to other days in the month."

He continued that, in Jamaica, several days before and after December 21 might average the same number of daytime hours.

Sunrise, sunset forecast

The sunrise and sunset forecast for Friday, according to Met Service data, shows sunrise and sunset for the shortest day at 6:34 a.m. and 5:37 p.m., respectively. This means that daylight will last for 11 hours and three minutes, a period shared for a couple other days in the month as well. So really, there is nothing to get all worked up about.

marlon.vickerman@gleanerjm.com