It’s finally summer, a time when I prefer being outdoors rather than stuck at my desk. If you’re eager for beach outings, knowing the exact start of summer is crucial.
With the clocks already set forward and British Summer Time in effect, you might think summer has already arrived. But not entirely.
So when does summer officially begin? People in the US and UK are eager to know the exact start of summer 2024 to soak up the sun and enjoy nature. Here, we’ll provide both meteorological and astronomical dates, which are different.
Summer brings the longest daylight hours of the year. Continue reading to find out when the longest day will be in the US and UK in 2024.
When Does Summer Begin?
The first day of summer 2024 is on Thursday, June 20th in the UK. This marks the astronomical start of summer when the northern hemisphere faces the sun directly.
This day also coincides with the summer solstice. According to the astronomical calendar, summer will end on September 23rd.
The first day of summer in the US aligns with that of the UK since both are in the northern hemisphere.
However, meteorologically speaking, the first day of summer will be Saturday, June 1, 2024.
The meteorological start of summer is always on June 1st (ending on August 31st). This division makes it easier to track weather patterns and seasonal changes.
When Is the Longest Day?
The longest day of the year will be on Wednesday, June 20, 2024. This marks the astronomical start of summer, with the Northern Hemisphere experiencing the longest daylight hours.
Most parts of the UK and US can expect at least 16 hours of sunlight on this day, making it the shortest night of the year.
What Causes Summer?
The Earth’s tilt as it orbits the sun is the reason behind seasonal changes. In the Northern Hemisphere, summer occurs when the North Pole tilts towards the sun, resulting in more direct sunlight.
Conversely, winter in the northern hemisphere happens when the South Pole tilts towards the sun. The opposite is true for those living in the southern hemisphere, where summer starts in December.
Intriguingly, Earth is closest to the sun (perihelion) in January and farthest (aphelion) in July.
What Caused the Earth to Tilt?
The Earth’s tilt is influenced by gravitational forces from the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn, along with past celestial impacts. This tilt cycles between approximately 21.5 to 24.5 degrees every 41,000 years.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
