Longest day of the year observed today as summer solstice occurs

June 21 officially marks the longest day of the year in 2025, signaling the arrival of the summer solstice.

Renowned Pakistani astrophysicist Professor Dr. Muhammad Javed Iqbal explained that on this day, daylight will last for 13 hours and 41 minutes, leaving just 10 hours and 19 minutes for night. He added that after July 1, the duration of daylight will gradually begin to shorten, reaching equilibrium with night around September 22, during the autumnal equinox.

Dr. Iqbal emphasized that this change in daylight is caused by the Earth’s axial tilt and its orbit around the Sun. As the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the Sun during summer, it experiences longer days. The situation reverses in winter when the Southern Hemisphere leans toward the Sun, resulting in shorter days for northern regions.

Meanwhile, many parts of Pakistan enjoyed pleasant weather on the longest day of the year.

In Karachi, early morning drizzle brought a welcome dip in temperatures, with cloudy skies expected to continue and a chance of more light rain later in the day.

Lahore residents also found relief from recent heat waves thanks to overcast skies and cool breezes. In Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and surrounding areas, late-night showers provided much-needed respite from the rising heat.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), scattered rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours in several regions, including Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Haripur, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Peshawar, Swabi, and Mardan. There are also chances of thunderstorms in parts of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.