That didn’t take long! Meteorological summer is officially here in the northern hemisphere.

While our friends in the southern hemisphere head into the season of winter rest, all of us here in the northern hemisphere are jumping into the summer months as meteorological summer begins on June 1. Severe weather will still be on our minds, but a lot of focus shifts to the tropics.

Severe storm season, featuring usually the stronger tornadoes, technically ends on the last day of May since the jet stream – which helps trigger the clashes of cold, dry air with the warm, water-laden air masses – tends to have made its way further north by this time of year. However, we do see a shift in severe weather chances move into the northern tier due to this!

That doesn't mean we won't see severe storms this summer! Pay close attention to the WeatherRadar in your area to track storms bringing damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes.

Atlantic Hurricane Season began promptly on June 1st. Learn more about the tropical lingo, preparations, risks, and more as both a resident and a visitor of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Forecasts are calling for a possibly slightly below normal season. Preparing early can save you time, stress, and money before the first storm is named.

Officially, the sun hits the summer solstice this year at 4:24 a.m., ET on June 21, 2026. However, meteorologically, summer begins June 1st to line up with the calendar easily.

To stay up to date on all your summer forecasts, be sure to have the latest version of the Weather & Radar app downloaded and be ready to go all summer long.