It is hot and muggy out there! Do you know what that means?

The ancient Romans called the hottest and most humid days of the summer “dies caniculares”. Roughly translated as “dog days”. The name came about because they associated the hottest days of summer with the star Sirius. Sirius was known as the “Dog Star” because it was the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major or Large Dog.

According to the “Old Farmer’s Almanac:”, the Dog Days of summer are traditionally the 40 days beginning with July the 3rd and ending with August 11th. This also coincides with the dawn rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. This is soon after the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day of the year and reminds us that the hottest days are ahead.

They are called the Dog Days because of the Dog Star, and Sirius, the brightest star is blazing away. Dog Days are not normally meant to be bad. However, during the hottest time of the year, intense heat and drought can cause havoc with many areas of society.

So enjoy these summer days ahead.

*farmersalmanac.com