The summer solstice is this Friday June 20th at 741 PM, marking the longest day of the year in Everett at 16 hours, 2 minutes. The summer solstice is also the beginning of astronomical summer or more commonly called the start of the summer. After June 20th, days will gradually get shorter heading to the autumn equinox in late September.
Many schools get out for the summer this Friday. Yet despite the start of the summer season, it will not feel like summer though. In fact, June Gloom will be in full effect.
An upper level low is forecast to move through the North Sound and the Pacific Northwest Friday through the weekend, bringing showers and unseasonably cool temperatures. Highs will struggle to get past just 60 degrees. Recall less than two weeks ago, temperatures soared into the 80s and even the lower 90s in areas near the Cascade foothills.
The region needs the rain though. So far this month at Everett’s Paine Field, only a trace of rain has fallen. After a dry May, Everett is now more than 10 inches of rain behind for the year.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of Western Washington including the North Sound is abnormally dry and the area from the Cascades west to near the I-5 corridor is now in moderate drought. Yes, the region needs the rain.
The weather outlook for the rest of the month continues the June Gloom with good odds on cooler than average temperatures and above normal rainfall. By July, the outlook warms up and dries out, but likely after the Fourth of July. This trend will help delay this region’s wildfire season into July.
History of the Summer Solstice
Through human history, many have observed the summer solstice with celebrations and rituals. Ancient Greeks marked the solstice as the start of the New Year, and started the one-month countdown to the opening of the Olympic Games.
Ancient European pagans welcomed the solstice with bonfires with hopes of a good fall harvest. Bonfires were also associated with magic, banishing evil spirits and led maidens to future husbands. Stonehenge in the south of England is aligned with the direction of sunrise on the summer solstice – one of many theories about the purpose of this megalith monument where thousands gather each year to commemorate the longest day of the year.
Many Native Americans participated in solstice rituals still practiced today. For example, The Sioux perform a ceremonial sun dance while wearing symbolic colors.
Today, many still celebrate the summer solstice. Parades and festivals are most common. In Northern Europe, bonfires are lit, and homes are decorated with garlands. In parts of Scandinavia, people dance around Maypoles. The Fremont district in Seattle has its flamboyant annual Solstice Parade.
On June 20th, celebrate the start of summer despite the cool and much needed soggy conditions. For more up to date weather alerts, visit the Everett Post Weather page.
