While consistent rainfall has dampened New York in recent weeks and months, the official start of the summer season is thankfully ushering in some more seasonal weather.
Temperatures are expected to rise into the 90s throughout the state after the summer solstice on June 20, according to National Weather Service forecasts.
Here’s what to know about this year’s summer solstice.
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When is the first day of summer 2025?
The astronomical start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, also known as the longest day of the year, is Friday, June 20, 2025, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Meteorological summer begins on June 1 and runs through the end of August, while astronomical summer is June 20 through Sept. 22.
Temperatures are expected to rise into the 90s throughout the state after the summer solstice on June 20, according to National Weather Service forecasts.
What is the summer solstice?
During the summer solstice, the sun is traveling along its northernmost path in the sky and the Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its maximum tilt toward the sun, the Almanac says.
This results in the Northern Hemisphere receiving the longest period of sunlight hours and the most direct angle of sunlight all year. It will begin at 10:42 p.m. EDT, according to the Almanac.
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How much daylight will New York cities get on the longest day of the year?
Here’s a look at how much sunlight some cities in New York will get on June 20, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac:
Watertown: 15 hours and 32 minutes
Rochester: 15 hours and 26 minutes
Syracuse: 15 hours and 25 minutes
Buffalo: 15 hours and 24 minutes
Albany: 15 hours and 22 minutes
Binghamton: 15 hours and 18 minutes
White Plains: 15 hours and 11 minutes
New York City: 15 hours and 8 minutes
Find out how much sunlight you’ll get on the longest day of the year by using the Almanac’s sunrise and sunset calculator: almanac.com/astronomy/sun-rise-and-set.
Emily Barnes on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: First day of summer 2025: What to know about summer solstice in NY