Published on December 13, 2024 at 12:24 a.m.
The December full moon, known as the cold moon, will be featured in the sky this December 15. Find out why this moon is also said to be the longest of the year…
A shivering moon
When will the famous cold moon be full? Well, this year it's December 15 early in the morning, precisely at 4:02 a.m. Obviously, this December moon is aptly named; this cold moon. In fact, in December, we can expect to see two days in Quebec where temperatures drop to -20°, -30°. Normally, the first cold spell with such temperatures will be experienced around December 21. This could possibly be the case this year since a cold spell is expected in southern Quebec (up to -20°) around this date.
At this time, it is also the average opening of the cold wave season. These are more possible (until the end of February) than at any other time of the year. It is therefore not surprising that ice fishing enthusiasts are delighted that this period also marks the start of their official fishing season!
A determining factor in the temperature profile, linked to this cold moon, is the play of air masses. These do not move according to the Moon. Obviously, when the sky is clear it is colder and it is more palpable in winter. Note that the very dry arctic air favors these clear skies.
Interesting fact: this moon could well lose its name… “Since the year 2000, only once has the coldest day of the season occurred in December. And it was at the last minute on the 31st, in 2013. More often it happens in January and February,” mentions Réjean Ouimet, meteorologist.
A notable and long presence in the sky
It is also called the long night moon, because it is a moon that will last longer. “At this time of year, the sun is discreet… It is less present, in terms of duration, and its angle is low, which means we have to move towards the cold. The moon acts, if you like, in opposition. In a way, it accompanies sunsets and sunrises. Its light is a consolation for solar loss,” mentions Réjean Ouimet.
If the Sun will sleep for 15:17 hours, the Moon will be present for a little more than 17:02 hours. This will make it one of the longest of the year. She will be able to be seen from December 14, in the afternoon, and she will go to bed at 8:11 a.m. on December 15.
