local
Sunday is the longest day of the year for half the planet. A guide to the summer solstice
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· June 19, 2026
· 3 min read
The Associated Press
This is the sun’s time to shine: Sunday is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Sunday is the solstice, marking the start of astronomical summer north of the equator. It’s the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is the shortest day of the year and...
Key takeaway It’s the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is the shortest day of the year and winter will start.
Why this matters in The Odessa
For Odessa residents, the summer solstice marks the beginning of a season that will be felt intensely in the Permian Basin. As the days stretch to their longest, the city's outdoor spaces will be filled with people enjoying the warm weather, from hiking and biking trails to parks and backyard gatherings. However, the solstice also signals the start of a period of extreme heat, with temperatures often soaring above 100 degrees. This can be particularly challenging for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and young children, who may need to take extra precautions to stay cool and safe. As the city moves into the summer season, it's essential for residents to be mindful of heat safety and to take advantage of the many resources available to help beat the heat, from public pools to air-conditioned community centers.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Associated Press
This is the sun’s time to shine: Sunday is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Sunday is the solstice, marking the start of astronomical summer north of the equator. It’s the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is the shortest day of the year and...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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