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[Read More…]