We explain what summer is and the main characteristics of this season. We also explain the other seasons into which the year is divided. Please read other MTV articles for more information. If you share it, it will be of little help to us.
What is summer?
Summer is one of the four climatic seasons, the warmest of which occurs between spring and autumn. It is characterized by high temperatures, with long days and short nights. This increase in temperatures is due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis, which causes the sun’s rays to fall more directly on certain regions.
The summer season is often culturally associated with the period of rest and vacation in many countries around the world. This is why it generally coincides with an increase in tourist activity, as people take advantage of the opportunity to visit various destinations and enjoy leisure time. Must Read About Spring Once.
Characteristics of Summer
The main characteristics of summer are:
- Temperatures are the warmest of the year, and the days become longer. In the hemisphere experiencing summer, the sun reaches its highest point, providing the greatest intensity of heat. Daylight hours also increase.
- Vegetation reaches its peak. Many plants reach their peak growth and fruit production. The warmth and greater availability of water are the main factors that favor their development.
- Many animals reach their peak biological activity. Different animal species take full advantage of the abundant food supply and favorable weather to feed their young, migrate, or prepare for winter. It is also common to see an increase in insect populations.
- Precipitation often occurs in the form of thunderstorms. In certain regions, summer brings intense rains and thunderstorms, which can cause flooding and flooding in urban and rural areas.
- It is the season for summer vacations and celebrations. In most cultures and countries, it is a season used for rest and outdoor social gatherings.
Summer Period and Duration
From an astronomical perspective, summer occurs between the summer solstice (June 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and December 21 or 22 in the Southern Hemisphere) and the autumnal equinox (September 22 or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere and March 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere).
During the summer period, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, creating the longest day of the year at the summer solstice. As the season progresses, the days gradually become shorter until the autumnal equinox, when day and night again become equal in length.
Like the other seasons, summer lasts approximately three months. Must Read About Lunar Eclipse Once.
Summer Symbolism
In the Western world, summer is primarily associated with abundance, fertility, and plenitude. It is also associated with vacations and recreation, and is the season in which people rest and engage in the greatest number of outdoor activities.
In several Eastern cultures, such as China, summer is associated with the element of fire and symbolizes energy, action, and transformation. It is also connected to yang, the expansive and active force of the universe.
For many Native American peoples, summer symbolizes the cycles of life and harvest. Native peoples of North America, for example, celebrate the Sun Dance, a ritual in which people dance, sing, fast, and pray.
Other Seasons of the Year
The seasons are the four stages into which the year is divided, each lasting three months and associated with distinct climatic and astronomical processes.
In addition to summer, the other seasons of the year are:
- Spring: This is the time when trees and plants bloom, temperatures gradually rise, and nature becomes greener. During this season, the days are longer and the hours of sunshine increase. It occurs in the Northern Hemisphere in the months of March, April, and May, and in the Southern Hemisphere in September, October, and November.
- Autumn: This is the time when the temperature begins to drop and the days tend to get shorter. During this season, trees lose their leaves and animals and plants prepare for the arrival of winter. It occurs in the Northern Hemisphere in the months of September, October, and November, and in the Southern Hemisphere in March, April, and May.
- Winter: This is the coldest time of the year, when the days become shorter and the nights become longer. During this season, frost and snow often occur. It occurs in the Northern Hemisphere in the months of December, January, and February, and in the Southern Hemisphere in June, July, and August.
Must Read About Earth’s Axis Once.
References
All the information we provide is supported by authoritative and up-to-date bibliographic sources, which ensure reliable content in line with our editorial principles.
- Álvarez, J. (2015). This was the Sun Dance, the atrocious ritual of the American Indians. La Brújula Verde. labrujulaverde.com
- Clima.com. (n.d.). Summer. clima.com
- McKeever, A. (2022). Astronomical and meteorological seasons: differences and explanation. National Geographic. nationalgeographic.es
