Why Is It So Doggone Hot!
Unless you are living just due north of the Arctic Circle, you may have noticed much of the U.S. has been in the grip of a heat wave. Temps in the southwest had several consecutive days of highs around 120°. Factor in the heat index and the needle was typically pointing to “BROIL.”
So, what’s with the heat? Is the Earth moving closer to the sun? Global warming? A nefarious plot by a real-life Dr. Evil?
Hate to burst your bubble, but there’s no diabolical mastermind afoot playing a cat & mouse game with 007. It’s the Dog Days of Summer, and if you follow the Farmer’s Almanac, we’re winding them down, so relief should be in sight soon. The Dog Days, according to the Almanac, are from July 3 through August 11. The days differ according to the source, but for our discussion, let’s stick with what the Farmer’s says.
If you are a history buff, like me, then you may also be aware of the origin of this period of time. Back in the ancient Roman Empire days, as well as in Greece and Egypt, the people believed that the dawn rising of Sirius contributed to the heat. Sirius (part of the Canis Majoris constellation) is the brightest star in the sky not including our own Sol.
Interestingly enough, given the right conditions you can actually see Sirius during the day sometimes. The ancients believed that this “2nd sun” was affecting temperatures on Earth, when in reality its appearance just happened to coincide with the hottest portion of the summer.
Interestingly enough, given the right conditions you can actually see Sirius during the day sometimes. The ancients believed that this “2nd sun” was affecting temperatures on Earth, when in reality its appearance just happened to coincide with the hottest portion of the summer.
The name itself, Sirius, is from the Greek word seirios, which means “scorching.” Because it is the brightest star in the Canis Majoris (the Greater Dog) constellation, it is also referred to as the “Dog” star. Hence, you have the Dog Days of Summer.
With our global thermostat dialed up a notch, use common sense in your daily activities. Stay hydrated… avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hours of 11AM to 7PM… and learn to adopt the attitude of the Charlie Daniels lyrics, “Kinda like my old bluetick hound, I like to lay around in the shade.”
Like everything else in life, the Dog Days are numbered. Before you know it, it’ll be Autumn… then Winter. And, somewhere along the way, we’ll be wishing that old dog was back in the sky offering an extra dose of comforting heat.