Summer in the Northern Hemisphere officially begins on Sunday, June 20, 2021, at 11:32 p.m. EDT, with the arrival of the summer solstice. For those who live in the Southern Hemisphere, this is the shortest day of the year and the arrival of winter.
The first day of summer is also Father’s Day in 2021!
For many, summer is the most anticipated season of the year. Who isn’t looking forward to warm, lazy afternoons, swimming, camping, catching fireflies in the backyard, enjoying your vegetable garden, and seeing nature in full bloom? But will summer weather cooperate?
Below is what we’re predicting for the US and Canada.
United States Summer Forecast – Stormy Weather
According to the extended forecast in the 2021 Farmers’ Almanac, summer should be stormy, with a greater-than-average frequency of thunderstorms for a large portion of the country. Many of these storms will be strong, particularly over the eastern third of the nation. These summer rainstorms may be severe and spawn widespread tornadoes over the middle part of the country during June and July.
Portions of the Central and Southern Rockies and Great Plains could also experience higher-than-normal thunderstorm activity.
Summer Heat?
What’s summer without heat? It’s coming! Summer temperatures are predicted above-normal for about two-thirds of the country, especially in the South and East. While typically the hottest weather can be expected in late July or early August, this year’s summer heat could peak in late August, into early September. So be sure to plan ahead and get your air conditioners, box fans, and cool summer clothing ready!
Will it rain on your July 4th cookout? Check out our detailed weather forecast for your zone.
Canada Summer Forecast – Warm and Stormy
According to the 2021 Canadian Farmers’ Almanac, summer looks to be stormy with a greater-than-normal coverage of thunderstorms, especially over the eastern third of the nation. Many of these storms will be strong-to-severe and could spawn some tornadoes over the Prairies during June and July. Our extended summer forecast also calls for above-normal summer temperatures for two-thirds of the country, especially in the East.
Summer’s heat will build and arrive later than normal. The Farmers’ Almanac is suggesting that this year’s summer heat could peak in late August into early September.
For a detailed zone-by-zone forecast, visit our Long-Range Weather page.
2021 Farmers’ Almanac Hurricane Outlook
As for tropical activity, we are forecasting a hurricane threat for Florida during the first week of August. That system is expected to weaken as it tracks north, mostly just inland from the coast
in the days that follow. Another hurricane threat is expected in the final days of August near the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast.
A hurricane could provide south Florida with a glancing blow during the second week of October; the Bahamas could also be threatened by this system.
We are also forecasting hurricane threats for Nova Scotia during the early part of September and again in mid-to-late September, while an unusually late tropical storm might track close to Newfoundland toward the end of October
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with traditional peak activity on September 10th, although hurricanes can form at any time.
See the Hurricane Names for 2021
Your Summer Survival Kit – Tips, Tricks & Hacks to Maximize Your Summer Fun!
Critter & Itch Control
- Natural Tick Remedies That Work!
- Beware of These Itchy Plants!
- Make Your Own Natural Bug Repellent
- Natural Poison Ivy Remedies
Gardening
- Mosquito Repelling Plants—Fact or Fiction?
- 5 Easiest Veggies To Grow
- Gardening by the Moon Calendar — pick the best days for planting!
- Create A Magical Moon Garden to enjoy this summer!
Fishing Fun
- 8 Fun Ways To Hook Kids on Fishing
- 5 Tips for Fishing in the Rain
- Fishing Calendar – Pick the best days to fish in 2020 and check out the interactive map!
Beat The Heat
- Why Are They Called The Dog Days of Summer?
- Pet Safety In Summer Heat
- Why Summer is Kidney Stone Season
- Help Your Chickens Beat The Heat With This Cool Confetti Ice Ring
- Keep Your Pet Cool With Doggie Ice Cream!
Staycation Ideas
Don’t plan on traveling much this summer? Here are a few ideas to make the most of your time at home.
- For Summer Staycation Fun, Prime Your Backyard!
- When Will Fireflies Light Up Your Backyard?
- Fun Bugs
- Stargazing With Kids
Beach Reads
- The Year Without A Summer – 1816
- What Did People Do Before Air Conditioning?
- 5 Worst Summer Weather Cities
- 10 Fascinating Facts About Fireflies
- What Is The Urban Heat Island Effect?
- Be Safe From Summer Weather Hazards!
Summer Recipes We Love
- Make Your Own Refreshing Granitas – A new take on Italian Ice!
- Too Much Zucchini? Try These Recipes
- Too Hot To Cook? Break Out The Slow Cooker!
- Top 5 Foods for Picnics and Cookouts
- Watergate Salad – A Retro Classic!
