SUMMER OFFICIALLY BEGINS ON SUNDAY

SUMMER BEGINS AT 12:45 AM CDT

The solstice is an astronomical event that takes place twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most inclined toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun's apparent position in the sky to reach its northernmost or southernmost extreme. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and the first day of summer. There are 24 hours of daylight north of the Arctic Circle and 24 hours of darkness south of the Artarctic Circle. We receive more direct rays of sun during the summer.

The earth spins around its axis and the axis is tilted somewhat off the plane of the earth's revolution around the Sun. The tilt of the axis is 23.5 degrees and because of this tilt we get to enjoy four seasons. When the axis tilts towards the Sun, as it does between now and September, it is summer in the northern hemisphere but winter in the southern hemisphere.

FATHER'S DAY FORECAST

Afternoon pop up showers and storms cannot be ruled out on Father's Day. More organized storms are forecast to develop across northeastern Missouri into Iowa and Illinois and some could be severe. The majority of Father's Day will be hot, humid and dry across the Ozarks. Afternoon fair weather clouds will likely develop. In the morning, temperatures will start off in the lower 70s and rise to the lower 90s during the afternoon hours. It will feel hotter than the actual air temperature due to high humidity sticking around. Happy Father's Day!

HEAT WAVE

An upper level ridge in place, meaning the jet stream has amplified northward across the Midwest, keeps us hot, humid and dry over the next 7 days. Highs in the 90s combined with dew points in the 60s and 70s will make it feel like it's between 95-102 degrees during the afternoon hours. Pulse thundestorms during hottest time of the day can't be ruled out this week, though I wouldn't count on rain from Mother Nature and would plan on watering your lawn and garden instead.