31
Although familiar with the phrase “the dog days of summer,” I had never considered its historical meaning. A little AI research revealed that, while the exact dates vary, they typically span from July 3 through Aug. 11.
The dog days follow June’s summer solstice and are traditionally linked to the first morning that Sirius, the “Dog Star,” becomes visible just before dawn. For the ancient Egyptians, Sirius signaled the annual flooding of the Nile.
Today, we are mindful not only of the oppressive heat the dog days bring, but also of the heightened risks of hurricane season along the Gulf Coast.
– Betsie Gambel, Founder, Gambel Communications