Extended Daylight Arrives: 8PM Sunsets Now Standard Across NY

As the calendar flips into mid-May, all of New York can officially bask in a seasonal milestone: sunsets after 8 p.m. are here to stay. And they’ll last for the next few months. Residents from Buffalo to the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks will also enjoy these longer, golden evenings, thanks to the Earth’s tilt and the approach of the summer solstice.

According to the National Weather Service, New York City passed the 8 p.m. sunset threshold over the weekend and won’t see a sunset before 8 p.m. again until August 11. But this isn’t just a Big Apple event, Utica crossed that threshold back in April, with sunsets after 8 p.m. occurring all the way until August 17

By June 21, the official summer solstice, parts of New York will enjoy sunsets as late as 8:45 p.m., particularly in the western and northern parts of the state where twilight lingers longer. In NYC, the latest sunset will be around 8:31 p.m., Albany will see it close to 8:37 p.m, and Utica's sun will set at 8:44 p.m.

New York Celebrates the Season of Late Sunsets: Here’s What to Know Across the State

This stretch of extended daylight is more than a pretty Instagram photo op, it’s a boost to mental health, social activity, and tourism. Parks and patios across the state are already filling up as residents and visitors soak up the sun.

Though the temps may be mild, UV exposure is not. New Yorkers statewide are encouraged to enjoy the sunshine safely, whether they’re hiking in the Catskills, barbecuing in Syracuse, or strolling along Lake Erie.

Benjamin Szabo/Unsplash

8PM Sunsets Have Returned to New York

Expect even longer evenings, warmer nights, and more chances to enjoy the great outdoors without rushing home before dark. Festivals, late-night farmers markets, concerts, and community events often ramp up during this time. It's a short but magical window.

So grab your sunglasses, plan those post-dinner walks, and remember: sunset after 8 p.m. is your reward for surviving the New York winter.

Top Signs a Thunderstorm Could Turn Severe And When to Head to Safety

Severe thunderstorms can pop up fast, sometimes in a matter of minutes. While many storms only bring a quick downpour, others can turn dangerous, packing damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding, and even tornadoes.

Knowing the early warning signs can give you precious minutes to get yourself and your family to safety. Here’s what to watch for.

Gallery Credit: Unsplash

5 Myths About Tornadoes You Shouldn't Believe

Sioux Falls, South Dakota may not be smack dab in the middle of Tornado Alley, but we still get our share of severe thunderstorms. Thunder, rain, lighting, and tornadoes are all possible.

The thing about tornadoes is that they are very destructive and very rare. Most people probably won’t even see an actual twister in their life. But if they do, it can mean devastation.

We don’t need to be at battle stations all spring and summer and freak out every time it gets cloudy.

We do need to think, prep, and pay attention.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns