Days will get gradually shorter after today.
Today, Saturday 21st June 2025, is the first day of summer, meaning that it’s also the June Solstice. In simple terms, this means that today is the longest day of the year. In fact, today we can enjoy 15 full hours of daylight! However, there’s more to it than just that.
At around 4.57 pm today, the sun will appear directly over the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere - the northernmost latitude it reaches throughout the course of the year. The further North the sun appears, the more sunlight we experience throughout the course of the day.
The higher you go in latitude, the longer the day. In fact, certain areas close to the Arctic Circle have 24 hours of light, a phenomenon also known as the 'midnight sun'.
This marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
After today, days will get gradually shorter, as the sun will begin to appear further South.
The phenomenon of the June Solstice is celebrated in many cultures around the world, with many taking this day to harvest their crops.
Two solstices occur every year: the June solstice and the December solstice. The latter marks two important occasions in the Northern Hemisphere - the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year.
Why is it called a ‘Solstice’?
The term is derived from two Latin words; sol, meaning ‘sun’, and sistere, meaning ‘to stand still’.
Happy summer folks, don't forget that sunscreen!