AccuWeather.com

By John Marsh, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer

Feb 8, 2012; 12:10 PM ET

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Photo courtesy of Photos.com.

Feb. 5 marked the end of solar winter. Solar winter is the quarter of the year with the least amount of daylight for the Northern Hemisphere.

"We're entering the time of year where the sun's rays are getting stronger in the Northern Hemisphere," said AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Andy Mussoline. "Through the summer solstice, which occurs on June 20, we'll see the days get longer and longer. On the summer solstice, the sun's rays will go as far north as the Tropic of Cancer."

Before reaching the summer solstice, we will pass through the spring equinox, which occurs this year at 1:40 a.m. EDT on March 20.

Between now and April, day length across the Northern Hemisphere will grow at its quickest rate.

Solar Winter Over, But It's Still Winter

"There is a difference between 'solar winter' and what we traditionally refer to as winter," continued Mussoline. "It's due to a phenomenon called 'seasonal lag.' The warmth from the summer and fall months carries into the first part of winter, just like the cold from winter will carry into the first part of spring."

The phenomenon can be compared to ocean temperatures. When air temperatures begin to get warmer at the start of warmer seasons, ocean waters remain colder. Inversely, when air temperatures start to drop as winter approaches, ocean waters still remain warm for a time. There is a lag between the rates of change of seasonal daylight and seasonal temperatures much the same way.

Winter Still Coming on Strong in Some Spots

According to the AccuWeather Long Range Forecasting Team, the longest stretch of cold this winter is still yet to come for the Great Lakes and the Northeast.

The cold snap is expect to hit these regions during the second week of February and last into the third week. Temperatures may drop 3-6 degrees below normal at the harshest points of the cold snap. New England, specifically will feel the chill the most.

Beyond just cold temperatures, the chance for snow also arrives. There could be one to two big snow storms in store for the East in February. Temperatures should return to normal by the end of February.