What does the first day of summer really even mean?

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already been referring to this time of year as “the summer.” School is out, outdoor events are in full swing, and it’s already very hot. However, the official astronomical start of summer isn’t until Tuesday, June 21.

The June solstice (also called summer solstice) can actually be pinned down not just to the date, but to 5:14AM specifically. This means that at that exact moment, the sun is traveling along the northernmost part of the sky, resulting in the longest day of the year and the promise of many more hot days in Atlanta.

– MaryGrace Williams, 360 Media, Inc.