Misc Facts

Summer is in full swing! It’s a great time to hit the beach, play sports, go picnicking or any outdoor activity for that matter. We have provided you with some interesting summer facts for you to enjoy.

• The Summer Solstice occurs on June 20th or June 21st every year. This day marks midsummer and is also the longest day of the year.
• Although the sun is hottest at mid-day, the warmest temperatures occur during mid-afternoon because the Earth continues to retain heat from the sun quicker than it dissipates.
• Wearing light colors will keep you cooler because light colors reflect light while dark colors absorb light.

The following facts are from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics about summer travel:

• 97% of summer trips are to domestic locations with only 3% of trips to international destinations.
• The average summer long-distance trip is 284 miles away one-way.
• 2% of summer trips are by bus, 7% of trips are by plane and 91% are by car.

Facts about the “Year Without a Summer”, 1816:

• In 1816, due to the large volcanic eruption of Mount Tambora, there was a historic decrease in solar activity which resulted in extremely low temperatures during summer months particularly in the United States, Canada, and Northern Europe.
• In July and August, lake and river ice was observed as far south as Pennsylvania.
• Some days could see temperatures in excess of 90F dropping close to freezing within hours.

Boston in early June after a snowstorm