When is the first day of summer 2025? What to know about the summer solstice
While scorching temperatures have made it feel like summer, the official start of the season is set to begin.
The first day of summer is Friday, June 20, as marked by the summer solstice, or the longest day of the year.
"The Northern Hemisphere's tilt toward the Sun is greatest on this day," according to NASA. "This means the Sun travels its longest, highest arc across the sky all year for those north of the equator."
During the summer solstice, the Earth's tilt brings its northernmost point closer to the sun, resulting in more sunlight. The solstice itself only lasts moments, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Here's what to know about summer 2025.
The first day of summer begins at 8:42 p.m. MT/9:42 p.m. CT on Friday, June 20.
Summer ends with the autumnal equinox, which takes place on Sunday, September 22. Unlike the summer solstice which is the longest day of the year, the autumnal equinox marks an equal day and night, lasting around 12 hours each, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
The summer solstice marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere will greet winter with its winter solstice.
The date of the summer solstice can fall at any point between June 20 and June 22, depending on the year, according to the NWS.
In 2024, the solstice fell on Thursday, June 20.
The Almanac predicts a gradual buildup of warm temperatures. June is expected to be near normal in most regions, while July and August will bring above-normal temperatures.
Texas and Oklahoma could see temperatures 4°F above normal.
The Heartland states (including Kansas and Iowa) will be 4°F above normal, while the Deep South and Desert Southwest will experience significantly warmer conditions.
USA Today contributed to this story.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on Twitter; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
More: Things to do in Ruidoso: Where to stay, eat and play to have fun this summer
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: When is the first day of summer? Details on the longest day of 2025
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