The summer solstice will occur when the sun reaches its northern most latitude of the year, which was Monday morning. At that time, the sun was over the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere at 23 1/2 degrees latitude north of the equator.
It was precisely 6:28 a.m. when the sun ended its six-month journey north and began its six-month journey south. This is also the time of the year with the most hours of daylight north of the tropics.
The beginning of summer was welcomed with a heat wave.
A large upper ridge of high pressure over Texas will expand eastward and across Middle Tennessee over the next few days. As a result, daytime high temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s by Monday and Tuesday. With some extra humidity added in afternoon heat index values of 98 to 103 degrees will be possible.
Across the Cumberland Plateau look for temperatures and heat index values in general to be about five degrees less.
Temperatures will cool a few degrees late in the work week as the upper high works back to the west. Temperatures however will still remain above normal in the lower to mid-90s west of the Plateau.
Here are some suggestions to help cope with this upcoming heat wave especially if you must spend much of your time outdoors:
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
• Wear a hat and light weight and light colored clothing to help reflect the sunlight.
• Take frequent rest breaks in the shade and try to avoid sunburn.
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