Prepare your pup: the hottest days of summer are far from over as July 3 marks the beginning of the Dog Days of summer. (Photo courtesy of Photos.com)
It looks like the dog days are just beginning.
Though it seems like many states deserve a break from summer scorchers, according to the "Old Farmer's Almanac," the heat isn't going anywhere any time soon. Tuesday marked the start of the Dog Days of summer.
According to the Almanac, July 3 to Aug. 11 will represent the 40-day period in summer known as the Dog Days, made up of some of the hottest, most sultry weather. "Old Farmer's Almanac" has been used as a reference book for 220 years, using astronomy cycles and solar activity to calculate weather patterns.
The name comes from the ancient Roman belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, was responsible for hot weather when it came in close proximity to the sun.
The rising of Sirius does not actually affect the weather, but this 40-day period usually occurs at a time when summer temperatures are at their highest. The dates of Dog Days are different in other cultures. Many countries in Europe still use the ancient period of July 23 to Aug. 23 as their Dog Days.
While the heat wave is expected to break next week, AccuWeather Long-Range Forecaster Jack Boston said that doesn't mean the country still won't have hot days.
"The heat may gradually come back by the latter part of July," Boston said.
When humid air makes its way from the Gulf of Mexico, the East will see above-normal temperatures for August, he added. Expect August temperatures to be mimicking those of July's.
"Since the atmosphere will be more humid, the nighttime lows won't be as cool," he said.
The Southwest will see relief from brutal temperatures during August's monsoon season, but Midwest and West is likely to remain hot and dry.
"The part of the country that will really suffer on a steady basis throughout this summer is the West," Boston said.
NOAA released its 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Thursday, predicting another active season.
This holiday weekend, a rare astronomical phenomenon will occur that will not be seen again until October 2015.
San Antonio is getting hit by heavy thunderstorms on Friday afternoon and evening.
A few days after a chilly storm departs the Northeast, warm weather will make a strong comeback in parts of the Midwest and the East later next week.
Severe weather and drenching downpours will affect parts of the Plains and Midwest over the Memorial Day Weekend.
"This pup was literally singing when he saw his family," Michelle Karolicki, relocation program manager of the Central Oklahoma Humane Society, said about a reunion that took place on Thursday.
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | N/A | |
| Low | N/A | |
| Precip | N/A |
Philadelphia, PA (1991)
96 degrees -- a record sixth 90-degree reading
for the month. (The month ended with twelve
90-degree days.)
New York, NY (1979)
A one-hour and 18 minute delay between the Pirates
and Mets game due to fog.
Morden, Manitoba (1933)
Flash flood washes away bridges, ruined crops,
and killed livestock.
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