Yes, the “Dog Days of Summer” are here!   It’s the kind of weather that stifles the fresh air and skyrockets humid temperatures that causes many physical symptoms too numerous to mention.  In DeKalb County, this time period occurs from Wednesday, July 3, 2024 – Sunday, August 11, 2024.

It's more than just a hot spell.  Traditionally, it refers to a period of particularly hot weather and humid weather occurring during the summer months of July and August in the Northern Hemisphere.  In DeKalb County, we’re just beginning these “Days.”

 In tracing back to ancient Greece and Rome, the “Dog Days” were believed to be a time of drought, bad luck and unrest when both dogs and men would be driven mad by the extreme heat and weather.  The Day is associated only with the time of summer’s peak temperatures and humidity.

For further clarification, this period of sweltering weather coincides with the years ``heliacal (“at sunrise”) rising of Sirius, the Dog Star.  Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Majoris – the “Greater Dog” – which is where Sirius gets its canine nickname, as well as its official name.  Alpha Canis Majoris Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, not including the Sun.  Sirius is the brightest star in the sky.

On another note, Virgil, the Roman poet, wrote in the Anaid that “fiery Sirius” is a bringer of drought and plague to frail mortals rises and saddens the sky with sinister light.” Old-timers believed that rainfall on the “Dog Days” was a bad omen, as foretold in this verse:

“Dog Days bright and clear

Indicate a happy year

But when accompanied by rain

For better times, our hopes are vain.”

In conclusion and in 1817, “Dog Days’ are here and approaching and you must, therefore, make both hay and haste while the sun shines.  When old Sirius takes command of the weather, he is such a crazy, unsteady crazy dog, there is no dependence upon him,” wrote The Old Farmer’s Almanac.