Latest news with #dogdays
CBC
4 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Florence and the Machine were right: The dog days (of summer) are over, at least for this year
It's official: The dog days of summer are over. At least, astronomically speaking. "This term the dog days of summer goes back all the way to actually past ancient Greece, even into ancient Egypt and all of it is in reference to a star that's the brightest star in our system called Sirius, which is the dog star," says Orbax, a science communicator with the University of Guelph and who is one part of the science entertainment duo Orbax and Pepper Do Science. Sirius, known as the dog star, was brightest between July 3 to Aug. 11 when viewed in southern Ontario, the U.S. National Weather Service says on its website, "which is 20 days prior and 20 days after the star Sirius rises and falls in conjunction with the sun." But the saying has also been linked to the hottest days, and Orbax says that has led to lore about the star and the weather. "It's one of these stars that actually consistently rises and sets at the same times every year. So when it would come up early in the morning, ancient civilizations would link this idea to almost like having an extra sun," Orbax said. He added that it was also that time in August where grass and foliage might be dying in the heat, "and we'd all feel pretty beat down because my understanding is that in ancient Greece, there was a pretty severe lack of air conditioning." Downward trend to the cold days of winter Turns out, the dog days of summer are also waning weather–wise. Steven Flisfeder, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, says "unofficially you can think of the dog days of summer as the absolute peak in terms of temperatures, so when we're, climatologically speaking, expected to be the absolute hottest before we start our gradual decline in toward the fall," he said. He says the weather often lines up with Sirius being bright in the sky with the hottest days in late July and early August. So now, how do the dog days stand as of Aug. 15? "Climatologically speaking, every day is going to be different, but in general it is a downward trend from here on out," Flisfeder said. As well, meteorological summer is getting set to wrap up at the end of the month. "The meteorological seasons always start on the first day of their respective month. So for summer, it starts June 1, for fall, it starts September 1. And the very basic reason for that is that it's statistically convenient," he said. But even if summer is coming to a close, Flisfeder notes it doesn't mean sweater weather begins on Monday, Sept. 1. "We can still have warm temperatures toward the end of summer even into the early parts of fall. We've had heat events through to the end of September," he said.
CBS News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Maryland heat and storms, "Erin" impacts beaches this weekend
The dog days of August are here with haze, heat, and humidity trending as our biggest weather story through early next week. The other big story will be tropical storm "Erin" and the impacts from this strengthening storm along our Atlantic beaches this weekend. The pattern is shifting as high pressure slides offshore, letting warmer, moisture-packed air flow in. By Thursday, a weak front will be moving our way, stirring up the atmosphere and giving us a better shot at those pop-up afternoon and evening storms. Today and Thursday will feature the highest and uncomfortable humidity levels over the next 10-days. Combine this round of tropical humidity with high temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s, and feels like temperatures will climb to between 95° and 100°. High temperatures both afternoons will top out around 90°. A weak cold front will be draped near our area today into Thursday. This front will generate a broken line of heavy thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. Storms will begin to form out in the mountains of western Maryland around lunchtime and then move east and arrive in our area between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. In the Baltimore metro, the best chance for heavy and gusty storms will be between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the entire WJZ viewing area under a level 1 out of 5 risk for severe storms. While most storms will not cause damage or major disruptions, a few may feature wind gusts over 50 mph, hail, and frequent lightning. The biggest impact is that the storms with torrential downpours will impact some of the evening commute. While there may be a rain delay at the start of the Orioles game, they should be able to easily squeeze the game in as storms should exit the area by 8 p.m. Thursday's storms will be rather sparse in coverage compared to today. An isolated storm or two is possible, but most of the area should stay rain-free. If you don't receive any rain from the hit or miss storms today and tomorrow, you'll likely want to water your lawns and gardens as we will endure a hot and dry stretch of weather through the weekend. We're looking at a seasonably hot and muggy weekend across Maryland. The good news about the weekend forecast is that it's mainly dry. The only exception may be a few isolated afternoon and evening showers and storms, mainly south and west of Baltimore City. Highs Saturday will reach the upper 80s, but feel like the lower 90s. Sunday's heat will be more intense with highs in the lower 90s, but with higher humidity, feels like temperatures will top out in the lower 100s. Beachgoers will also need to be extra cautious this weekend. Tropical Storm Erin, spinning well offshore, will send larger swells toward the Mid-Atlantic coast, increasing the rip current risk along Maryland and Delaware beaches. Hazardous surf is expected, especially Saturday and Sunday. If you're heading to the beach, swim near a lifeguard, never enter the water alone, and avoid swimming in areas where you see breaking waves funneling back out to sea - a telltale sign of a rip current. Always check the latest beach hazard statements before heading out. Early next week looks warm and unsettled, with several weak fronts moving through and afternoon storms possible each day. Any storm that forms through the week could bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and plenty of lightning. Stay hydrated, pace yourself in the heat, and keep an eye on both the radar and beach forecasts - summer in Maryland isn't done with us yet.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
What are the ‘dog days of summer?' Meteorologist explains
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — The phrase 'the dog days of summer' is one you may have heard to describe hot and humid summer days, but where exactly does the term come from, and what does it mean? 'Dog days of summer' actually relates to astronomy. The idea dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, when people relied heavily on constellations for information. The brightest star in the sky after the Sun is Sirius, which translates to glowing or scorching in Latin and is commonly referred to as 'the dog star'. It's part of the constellation Canis Major, which translates to 'Greater Dog,' one of Orion's hunting companions. West Virginia high school band to perform in DC 4th of July parade During the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the sun. Around July 23rd, it is in conjunction with the Sun, meaning it appears directly behind it from our perspective on Earth. In ancient times, people believed that this alignment with the sun and Sirius added extra heat to the Earth, marking a stretch of particularly hot and humid days. This period, called 'the dog days of summer,' spans from July 3rd to August 11th. In reality, summer heat is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis, which directs more sunlight toward the northern hemisphere. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Times
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Ukraine's corgi dog festival is fit for a Queen
The dog days of summer may not yet have arrived in Kyiv, but on a hot, humid Sunday at a beach club on the Dnipro river, canines are all that can be seen: corgis, specifically — the adorably short-legged dogs beloved of the late Queen Elizabeth, and now the people of Ukraine. Everywhere you look, there they are: jumping gleefully into the river; competing on a miniature agility course; sporting little sunhats with holes for their ears and generally spreading their furry brand of joy amid a gathering of Kyivans exhausted by the relentless night-time bombardment by missiles and drones. This is the third 'Corgy' — or 'orgy of corgis' — organised by Katernya Shekshnova, a breeder and pioneer of canine therapy. She was inspired by the comfort that her corgi puppies brought her son when the Russian invasion began. Air raids triggered compulsive behaviour in the young boy, including biting his fingers until they bled. 'They are a key that opens hearts,' Shekshnova says as her tiny charges walk alongside her, recalling Princess Diana's memorable description of the 'moving carpet' that accompanied her mother-in-law everywhere. 'Communicating with animals triggers hormones associated with happiness. And then the work can begin.' Shekshnova's corgis are regular visitors to a rehabilitation centre for soldiers and veterans, but this event is all about celebrating the breed, with a bit of fundraising on the side. Nadia has brought all four of her corgis: parents Adele and Oscar, and two of their grown-up offspring, Lo and Nicole, all sporting sunhats. 'I don't really know why I chose corgis,' she says. 'I just looked at them and fell in love.' Nadia is not yet sure whether to enter them in one of the many contests at the event. 'I'm not sure if I want to shame them,' she says with a laugh. Corgis have been commonplace in Ukraine for some time but their popularity 'exploded after the death of Queen Elizabeth ', said Maria, another visitor. The Queen's death, six months after the Russian invasion began, was deeply felt in Ukraine, as was the support offered by the royal family and Britain as a whole. Other qualities make corgis the perfect wartime companions. 'Look how calm and sweet they are,' Maria says, noting the absence of barking or growling among dogs that were strangers to one another until today. 'And,' she adds, with emphasis, 'they look like they are smiling all the time.' Kyiv's most recognisable corgi, Loyd, was well known long before the invasion, having fronted a 2019 promotional video for the capital in which he slipped away from his owners to narrate a tour of the city, mostly from a dog's ground-level perspective. The mascot is followed by 45,000 people on Facebook, while 'Corgis of Ukraine' has almost 3,000 fans. Ukraine's most famous dog of war is Patron, a Jack Russell who is the face of the country's canine mine-sniffing force. But one corgi, Elton, has been certified as a search-and-rescue dog with Antares, a volunteer group based in Pavlohrad, near the eastern city of Dnipro. Maria Romanova, Elton's owner, was only 17 when she brought him to join the team. She hoped to contribute to the war effort like her older brother, a soldier fighting on the front line. 'Until recently, we did not take young people on difficult missions,' said Larisa Borysenko, who founded Antares back in 2008 as a volunteer service to locate missing hikers. 'But the rush left us no choice, and if a 17-year-old girl can do something that millions of adults can't, then she is needed now.' The corgi festival, however, is all about fun. Let off their leashes, the corgis bound into the river, some even gamely clambering on to paddleboards for a cruise along the river. Nadia isn't sure whether to let her own four pooches take part. 'I am not sure the water is clean enough for royal dogs,' she says. Misha, a classic white and tan Pembrokeshire corgi, makes do with a paddling pool filled with plastic balls. The day wraps up with an award ceremony for obedience, agility and looks. An interloping chihuahua makes it to the final but neither organiser nor corgi partisans seem bothered. 'It's about love and joy,' Shekshnova says. 'The corgis teach us that.'
