Columbia, SC (WACH) --- Finally, when you say it`s summer in the Midlands it really is summer in the Midlands! Summer officially began at 7:09 p.m. and it felt exactly like it should…HOT!!!

Highs this time of year are in the low 90s. Sure, that is hot. But by this time in 2011, we had already hit 100 degrees in the Midlands. What a difference a year makes.

So what does the term, "Summer Solstice" mean? It`s when the sun has reached its farthest point north of the equator. But, does that mean that it`s actually the longest day of the year?

Actually, no. There are still 24 hours in the day itself. But, we see the longest amount of sunlight on the summer solstice than we do any other day of the year.

If you have some great pictures of the sun rising, shining bright, or setting over the Midlands, please share them with us at news@wach.com.