Chicago Weather Watch

Feels Like Midsummer

Meteorological summer begins on June 1, and the calendar is just past the first week of June. The heat and humidity feel like July.

In the old Celtic calendar, which was based on solstices and equinoxes, summer season begins on May 1 –about halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. August 1, halfway between the summer solstice and the fall equinox, marks the beginning of fall and harvest season.

Summer solstice marks the midpoint of summer. Yes, these are the longest days, the lightest days, now.

It feels like midsummer, and a calendar already marked with baseball games, concerts, farmers’ markets, movies, museums, hotels, tours, beaches. Chicago is re-opening for the summer. June 11 is re-opening day!

There are still COVID precautions and protocols, but the vaccines are making a difference. There is a cautious optimism. A different summer this year.

Filed under:
history, nature, seasons, weather

Tags:
midsummer, summer solstice