The first day of summer is going to be one of the year’s hottest so far.
The summer solstice, which marks the official start of astronomical summer, will be 10:42 p.m. Friday, according to Space.com.
Due to how late in the evening the event will take place, Friday and Saturday will virtually share the honor of being the longest day of the year since both daylengths will last 15 hours and 40 seconds.
The sun will rise at 6:03 a.m. and set at 9:04 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, according to Timeanddate.com.
Civil twilight will begin 5:30 a.m. and end 9:36 p.m. all three days, making for a unique and bright solstice weekend.
Summer to begin with several days of extreme heat
Temperatures to start the summer of 2025 could feel like they’re 100 degrees.
Highs in the Mansfield area so far are forecast to be 82 degrees on Friday, 87 on Saturday, 91 Sunday, 91 Monday, 91 Tuesday and 90 Wednesday.
Add in high humidity with a dewpoint above 70% and the heat index could potentially top 100 degrees Saturday through Wednesday.
Many groups of Ohioans should take precautions during periods of extreme heat this summer: the elderly, caretakers of infants, athletes, people who work outside and anyone who has limited or no access to air conditioning.
People affected by the heat should take breaks, drink water and even eat ice chips. Anyone outside should try to be in the shade as much as possible, wear loose-fitting clothing and sunglasses, drink electrolytes and replenish minerals lost through sweat.
When is the official start of summer?
The official start of summer every year sparks a debate between meteorologist and astronomers.
Meteorological summer runs June 1-Aug. 31, but astronomical summer runs from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox, dates that fluctuate based on Earth’s position relative to our star.
It’s a difference in perspective, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“Astronomical seasons are based on the position of the Earth in relation to the sun, whereas meteorological seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle,” NOAA noted. “The Earth’s annual trip around the sun forms the basis for the astronomical calendar in which seasons are defined by two solstices and two equinoxes.”
ztuggle@gannett.com
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Summer Solstice: Friday marks the longest day of the year and ushers in weekend heat wave
Reporting by Zach Tuggle, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
