The dog days
Meaning
The dog days refer to the hottest and often most humid period of summer.
Origin
Long before modern meteorology, ancient astronomers observed the heavens and linked earthly events to celestial movements. They noticed that during the hottest part of summer, Sirius, the brightest star in the sky and part of the Canis Major constellation (the 'Greater Dog'), would rise just before the sun. This heliacal rising of Sirius, colloquially known as the 'Dog Star,' coincided with the sweltering heat and often oppressive humidity of late July and early August. The Romans, attributing the intense heat to the star's fiery brilliance adding to the sun's power, dubbed this period 'dies caniculares,' or 'dog days,' a term that has endured for millennia, still capturing the essence of summer's most relentless stretch.
Examples
- We plan to spend most of August by the pool, hoping to escape the worst of the dog days.
- During the dog days, it's wise to stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity.