Summer Solstice: UAE Experiencing Longest Day On June 21, To Last Nearly 14 Hours
The UAE will experience the longest day of the year on June 21, marking the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This event, occurring at 8:50 PM, will be the earliest summer solstice since 1796. The day will last 13 hours and 48 minutes.
Temperatures are expected to range between 41°C and 43°C during the day and between 26°C and 29°C at night. Some areas might see temperatures as high as 50ºC. The weather will remain relatively dry with some active winds anticipated, setting the tone for the first half of summer from June 21 to August 10.
The summer solstice happens when the Northern Hemisphere receives more sunlight than any other day of the year. Astronomically, it occurs when the sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky. This results in the longest day and shortest night of the year, lasting 13 hours and 48 minutes.
Humans may have observed this phenomenon as early as the Stone Age. Cultures worldwide celebrate with feasts, bonfires, picnics, and songs. It is also known as the June solstice.
Interesting Facts About Summer Solstice
This year's summer solstice is notable for being the earliest since 1796. Typically, seasons start on the 21st of their respective months, but this year's solstice is particularly early due to 2024 being a leap year. According to The Washington Post, "During leap years such as 2024, the solstices and equinoxes occur about 18 hours and 11 minutes earlier than the previous year."
The exact origin of who discovered the solstice remains unknown. Owen Gingerich, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and History of Science at Harvard University, told TIME in 2016 that this discovery is "spectacularly unanswerable" due to a lack of written records.
However, evidence suggests that nomadic cattle-herders in southern Egypt knew about it around 6,000-6,500 years ago. They arranged stones in Nabta Playa basin under the Tropic of Cancer to align with the solstice sun's path. NASA astronomer Sten Odenwald explained that this alignment indicated the Nile's impending flooding cycle, starting their calendar.
The summer solstice provides a boost for solar energy by offering more sunlight for solar panels. This increases electrical supplies for homes equipped with solar setups.
Despite coinciding with a record heat wave in many parts of the world, the summer solstice is not typically the hottest day of the year. According to The New York Times, it takes time for Earth to heat up each summer, so peak temperatures usually occur in July or August.
The dates of the solstice vary each year based on when the sun reaches its northernmost point from the celestial equator. This year’s solstice falls on June 20.
The UAE's experience of this significant astronomical event highlights both cultural traditions and modern benefits like solar energy. As temperatures soar and daylight extends, residents can appreciate both historical significance and contemporary advantages.
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