What are the dog days of summer?
People are often heard saying “the dog days of summer”. But what does that really mean. The scientific definition is (Earth Sciences / Physical Geography): the hot period of the summer reckoned in ancient times from the heliacal rising of Sirius (the Dog Star). In layman’s terms, it is the sultry part of that represents the second half of summer. It is from July to early September (approximately 40 days long). Most people recognize the hot, humid days that are getting shorter in length as the dog days of summer. The Earth’s tilt allows longer time in which the sun is beaming on the Northern Hemisphere.
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In the Southern Hemisphere, the dogs days of summer occur in December. This is because the tilt of the Earth makes Australia slightly closer to the sun.
During the 19th century a new definition was derived for the dog days of summer. It was thought that during this time of the year, dogs were more likely to get rabies. It was even giving mention in the book To Kill A Mockingbird. This is an incorrect assumption.
Keep cool this year during the dogs days of summer and please don’t leave your pets in your car. They are very susceptible to overheating and possible death.
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003