UAE to Experience Early Summer Solstice with Longest Day on June 20
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set for an astronomical event this year. The country will experience an earlier summer solstice, ushering in the longest day of the year.
The summer solstice typically occurs on June 20th, 21st, or 22nd, depending on the year. This year, however, the UAE will see the solstice arrive on June 20th at 20:51 UTC, marking the earliest solstice since 1796 for most parts of the world.
This celestial event signifies the day with the most daylight hours in the UAE. Residents can expect roughly 13 hours and 48 minutes of sunlight on June 20th.
The summer solstice is caused by the Earth's tilt on its axis. During the solstice, the sun reaches its northernmost point in the sky, directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer. This phenomenon brings longer days to the Northern Hemisphere, including the UAE.
Experts warn that the extended daylight hours will also be accompanied by rising temperatures. The UAE typically experiences scorching summers, and the summer solstice can further increase the heat.