SUMMER SOLSTICE 2022

This week in North America, we enjoyed the longest period of sunlight in 2022 on Tuesday, June 21, at 5:14 a.m. EDT. This is the precise moment when the sun stands still at its northernmost point as seen from Earth. Its zenith doesn’t teeter north or south, but sits patiently at the Tropic of Cancer before switching directions and heading south again. This is where the word solstice comes from; the Latin solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop). According to legend, Galileo was, rather ironically, forced to recant his theory that Earth revolves around the sun on the summer solstice of 1633.

The day of the year with the most daylight in the Northern Hemisphere is not the hottest, however. As NOAA explains, in the US, temperatures continue to inch up into July. The temperature increases after the solstice occurs because the rate of heat input from the sun during the day continues to be greater than the cooling at night for several weeks, until temperatures start to descend in late July and early August. So on average, there is a one-month lag between the solstice and peak summer temperatures. That's why July is often the hottest month of the year in many locations. In reality, it has felt like summer for several weeks, with much of the country under excessive heat warnings and experiencing multiple heat waves already. It is likely to be a hot summer, overall: The Climate Prediction Center's latest forecast through September is for warmer-than-average temperatures for most of the U.S. 

THE SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON HAS BEGUN

The heat hasn’t stopped people from hitting the road—and perhaps heading toward the beaches to cool off. Memorial Day weekend saw record numbers of travelers, and the upcoming July 4th holiday is predicted to be just as busy. Triple A’s annual forecast for the July 4 holiday weekend says that 42 million Americans -- more than ever -- will take a road trip of 50 miles or more. It warned that some of the most congested routes will include highways around Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle. Independence Day will be the second busiest since 2000, as travel volumes continue to trend upwards with no sign of slowing down. AAA predicts 1.5 million Georgians will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday weekend (June 30 – July 4). That’s 3.3% more than last year’s holiday, and a little over 4% more since 2019. While all modes of transportation are forecast to be stronger than last year, the biggest surprise is auto travel. Despite record high gas prices, AAA forecasts over 1.3 million Georgians will take a holiday road trip – the most on record, dating back to 2001.  

Summer vacations are definitely more expensive this year:

 Air—AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 14% more than last year coming in at

  $201/ticket.

• Hotels—Mid-range hotel rates are about 23% more than last year, with the average lowest nightly rates coming in at $244/night for AAA Approved Hotels.
• Gas Prices—Independence Day gas prices are forecast to be the most expensive for the holiday in history. Pump prices are 52% more expensive than a year ago. On Monday, the state average was $4.47. 

Airlines have struggled to keep up with the increase in travel due to personnel shortages and some weather-related issues; thousands of flights have been cancelled, causing chaos in airports and shortages in rental cars.  

ACCIDENTS CAN—AND WILL—HAPPEN

Whether it’s an auto accident during travel to or from your destination, a slip and fall accident at your lodging, or a swimming accident at the pool or beach, vacation accidents can and will happen. To minimize transportation accidents, always check your vehicle before your trip; check air pressure in the tires, fluid levels such as radiator (especially in the heat), oil and windshield wiper fluid, and make sure that older cars don’t need belts or brake pads replaced.  

When staying at a hotel or airbnb, it is easy to slip and fall due to the unfamiliar surroundings and floor plan. It is even possible that maintenance is subpar, and loose floor boards, throw carpets, and slick surfaces can cause hazardous conditions. Familiarize yourself with your accommodations, remove/move tripping hazards, and be extra cautious when walking around.  

Pools and beaches provide welcome relief to the heat and fun for all. However, they also provide many opportunities for accidents. Always supervise children, never let people swim too far out into the ocean where riptides and currents can get even the best of swimmers, pay attention to warning signs regarding tides and currents, as well as the depth of a pool, and do not let kids run around a pool or play on diving boards and slides. These are just some safety tips for vacationing near water; for a more comprehensive list see: https://www.healthline.com/health/beach-safety.

When an accident does occur, seek medical help first if it is needed. Keep all medical records and take pictures of the injury and the scene of the accident. Record witness statements and contact information. Obtain a police report if there is one. And contact an experienced accident attorney such as Dave Thomas at The Thomas Law Firm for a free consultation regarding your legal rights.