Long, sunny days. Warm nights under the stars. Fireflies, cookouts, and weekends that stretch into adventures. Summer has finally arrived, and it’s the perfect time to slow down, soak up the sun, and enjoy everything the season brings.
But when does summer actually start? It depends on who you ask.
- June 1 marks the beginning of meteorological summer—a tidy, temperature-based definition used by forecasters and climatologists that runs from June through August.
- June 20 brings the summer solstice, which kicks off astronomical summer. That’s when the Northern Hemisphere tilts closest to the sun, giving us the longest day of the year.
DATES TO WATCH THIS SUMMER
- June 1 – Start of meteorological summer
- June 16 – Father’s Day - still shopping? Check out our Tempest Father's Day Gift Breakdown to discover the ultimate gift.
- June 20 – Summer solstice (first day of astronomical summer + longest day of the year)
- July 4 – Independence Day
- August 1 – Midpoint of meteorological summer
GET OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER
You don’t need a big vacation to make big summer memories. Some of the best moments happen just outside your door. Here are a few easy ways to enjoy the season:
- Visit a nearby park for a walk, picnic, or simply to relax in the shade
- Go to an outdoor concert or sporting event—extra points if it’s a hometown team
- Take a day trip to explore a new town, trail, or scenic drive
- Check out a local festival for live music, food, and community fun
- Volunteer outdoors, think park or street cleanups, community gardens, or youth events
- Garden or landscape with the help of your Tempest’s rainfall and UV data
- Plan a stargazing night, get out of your city for a bit one night and see how clearly you can view the stars
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TEMPEST
From tracking seasonal storms to keeping your home operating at top efficiency during some of the most demanding times of the year, Tempest is your go-to summer companion:
- Monitor UV and heat index for safe outdoor activities
- Get lightning and rain alerts before weather ruins your plans
- Automate smart devices using IFTTT—cool your home, protect your garden, and more
- Track wind speeds to know when it’s safe to grill or relax on the patio
- Watch barometric trends for better fishing, camping, or storm watching
Here’s to a season full of sunshine, spontaneity, and smart weather decisions.
JUNE WEATHER 101
OTHER WEATHER NEWS
HOW RECENT WILDFIRES HAVE BEEN IMPACTING OUR AIR QUALITY
Air quality in Reno, Nevada was tracked over a 19 month period to better understand the impact of aerosols released by burning wildfires. Wildfires have been increasing in both size and frequency throughout the Western United States and even beyond, which leaves an impact on us and our environment in a number of ways.
CREATING CLIMATE RESILIANT HOSPITALS
Hospitals are on the front lines of climate-related disasters, yet many are unprepared for extreme heat, flooding, and power outages. Harvard Medicine Magazine looks at the urgent need to reimagine health care infrastructure to withstand our ever evolving future, while also highlighting hospitals already leading the way in resilience and innovation.
WHY DOESN'T THE U.S. LIKE BALCONY SOLAR PANELS?
Turns out, it's actually not that simple (like most things). Balcony solar panels are popular in parts of Europe as a low-cost, DIY way to power apartments, but in the U.S., strict utility rules and building codes are holding back the trend. Explore how red tape, grid regulations, and lack of awareness are limiting a clean energy solution that could benefit millions of renters. Will American balconies ever catch up?
WHAT TO PLANT IN JUNE + SUMMER GARDEN TASKS
Not sure what your garden needs this month? From sowing biennials to cutting back spring blooms, get practical, easy-to-follow advice for June gardening. Whether you’re growing food, flowers, or just love a tidy yard, this guide will help you make the most of early summer.
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