It's the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere today and therefore the longest day of the year. Oh, it's also the first day of summer! Why did I think that summer begins on 1st June? And why isn't the longest day the hottest day as well? Here's a really good explanation from the National Geographic website:
Earth's oceans and atmosphere act like heat sinks, absorbing and reradiating the sun's rays over time. So even though the planet is absorbing lots of sunlight on the summer solstice, it takes several weeks to release it. As a result, the hottest days of summer usually occur in July or August.
"If you think about turning up an oven—it takes it a long time to heat up," explained Robert Howell, an astronomer at the University of Wyoming. "And after you turn it off, it takes a while for it to cool down. It's the same with the Earth."
Bring on the heat! And more strawberries..........
AND PLENTY OF DAYS OUT IN THE SUN FOR MY GARDEN "HELPERS"!
