Riyadh: Arab countries and the northern hemisphere will witness the summer solstice tomorrow, marking the astronomical beginning of summer, as the sun reaches its zenith over the Tropic of Cancer at 11:24 a.m. Makkah time.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Jeddah Astronomy Society President Eng. Majed Abu Zahra stated that the summer solstice is the longest day and the shortest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. During this event, the sun rises from the far northeast and sets in the far northwest, resulting in the shortest midday shadows of the year.
He further explained that the summer season will last 93 days this year. The peak heat period does not necessarily coincide with the solstice due to the 'seasonal lag' phenomenon, as the Earth and oceans take time to absorb and release solar energy.
He added that daylight hours will begin to gradually decrease after this day until the autumn equinox on September 23.