June 20, 2025, marks the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. This is more an astronomical (i.e., planetary and orbital, not necessarily huge) event rather than meteorological. This is the date when the north pole is leaning most directly toward the sun due to its tilt relative to earth’s solar orbit throughout the year. Because of this, the length of daylight within a 24-hour period is greatest on this day for all locations north of the equator. More daily daylight means more solar exposure and therefore greater surface heating and temperatures. Of course, we’ve been working up to this moment for a while (since December 21, 2024) and we’ve already been experiencing warmer temperatures. Mother Nature is going to really show off her solstice spirit, however, with extreme high temperatures expected by the end of this weekend into next week.
Over the last 30 days or so, average temperatures across Indiana have been up to 4° below normal. However, forecasts over the next 7 days are indicating a risk of extreme heat (Figure 1). Maximum daily temperatures typical for June 22-29 tend to be in the 80’s (°F). This year, Indiana is likely to see temperatures in the low-to-mid 90’s next week. Conditions will feel muggy, and the apparent temperature (or heat index) is expected to be in the mid-to-upper 90s. With this likely being the first significant heat event of the season, heed extra caution since many of us have yet to acclimate to these high temperatures this early in the year.
Figure 1. Potential U.S. hazards for June 21-25, 2025.
Climate outlooks for temperature over the next few weeks are strongly favoring above-normal temperatures continuing with slight changes of above-normal precipitation. While moderate drought conditions persist in northwestern Indiana (according to the U.S. Drought Monitor; Figure 2), perhaps the wetter forecasts will ameliorate the drought and bring us back to “normal” conditions. Speaking of which, has anyone seen those “normal” conditions lately? Stay tuned.
Figure 2. U.S. Drought Monitor status for conditions as of Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
