Longest Day in the Northern Hemisphere signifies summer's arrival with a moderate climate.
Here Comes the Longest Day of the Year - Summer Solstice!
Let's talk about the astronomical event that's about to light up the Northern Hemisphere - the summer solstice! This cosmic spectacle happens when the Earth's axis tilts maximum towards the Sun, creating the longest day and shortest night of the year for those living on the North Pole's side.
On Saturday, at 02:42, the sunshine extravaganza kicks off, bringing milder temperatures, thanks to some high clouds, especially along the coast. It's quite a contrast from the chilly weather you've been experiencing.
In the Southern Hemisphere, they'll be donning sunscreen a bit later, with the summer solstice scheduled for December 21 at 15:03.
On the first day of summer, the sun rises at 06:10 and sets at 21:06, making the day last a whopping 14 hours, 55 minutes, and 47 seconds. But don't let Sunday fool you; it might seem like the day has the same duration, but it's actually two seconds shorter. Once we reach the end of the month, the day will already be five minutes shorter, marking the onset of the day's slow retreat.
This trend will continue until the autumnal equinox, which occurs on September 22, at 19:19, when nights and days will be of equal length. From there, it's all downhill - and darker - until the winter solstice, which arrives at 15:02 on December 21, and brings the longest night of the year.
According to the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), today's high temperatures will range between 21°C in Ponta Delgada and 34°C in Beja on this sun-drenched first day of summer. But coastal districts like Viana do Castelo, Porto, and Aveiro won't see temperatures exceed 22 or 23°C.
However, temperatures are expected to spike later in the week, particularly on Friday and Saturday.
The summer solstice is a significant moment when the Sun reaches its maximum declination in latitude, measured from the Equator. During this time, days are longer in the Northern Hemisphere, while they're shorter in the South. The axial tilt and resulting solstice have a profound impact on the Earth's seasonal cycle, marking the official start of astronomical summer in the respective hemisphere. This crucial event has a long history of guiding agricultural and cultural practices worldwide.
So, here's to the longest day of the year! Make the most of the sunshine, and enjoy the warm weather before the days start getting shorter again. On the bright side, the nights will be perfect for star gazing! 🌞✨
[News updated at 10:31 AM]
Also Read: Summer begins in the next few hours and brings milder temperatures
Scientists predict that the weather this summer will be characterized by milder temperatures, a contrast from the chilly weather experienced previously. The long day of the year, the summer solstice, is significant in environmental science, as it marks the Earth's axis tilting maximum towards the Sun.
