prompt: Why is the northern hemisphere winter solstice in December, but late January and early February are always the coldest times of the year?
chosen.content: Why is the northern hemisphere winter solstice in December, but late January and early February are always the coldest times of the year?
chosen.role: user
chosen.content: The northern hemisphere winter solstice falls on December 21st or 22nd every year, marking the longest night and shortest day of the year. However, the temperatures at this time of year do not necessarily feel the coldest, since several factors including wind chill and cloud cover can alter how cold it feels outside. January and February are commonly the coldest months, since these tend to be when clear, frigid air settles in for the longest period of time. Additionally, since the winter solstice signals the start of Winter, any major cold snaps or arctic outbreaks will likely occur afterward and persist into those months.
chosen.role: assistant
rejected.content: Why is the northern hemisphere winter solstice in December, but late January and early February are always the coldest times of the year?
rejected.role: user
rejected.content: The northern hemisphere winter solstice is in December because that is the time of year when the sun reaches its farthest latitude north, which is why it is the darkest and coldest time of the year in the northern hemisphere. January and February are the coldest months because they are at the bottom of the winter season, when the Earth's axial tilt is furthest from the sun and its radiation. As a result, fewer radiation particles reach the Earth, which makes the temperatures lower and reduces cloud cover, causing sunny days to be even colder.
rejected.role: assistant