A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....08-11-04...The Dog Days of Summer

Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

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The Dog Days of Summer are almost behind us. For some it will be a reason to celebrate, for others (like me) it is a time to lament the passing of the summer season.

"While the dog days have made many us feel like we're swaddled in fur, the period is actually named after Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius rises with the sun when summer is at its hottest. The dog days traditionally run from July 3 to August 11.

The ancients believed extra heat generated by Sirius in conjunction with the sun caused this sizzling spell of weather. Sirius is the brightest star at night, after all.

But Sirius, which is found in the Canis Major (big dog) constellation, is some 50 trillion miles (80 trillion kilometers) from Earth—too far away to influence temperatures here.

In Roman times the dog days—or dies caniculares in Latin—were associated with intolerable heat, lethargy, disease, and, appropriately enough, mad dogs." James Owen for National Geographic News July 16, 2004

What was the highest summer temperature ever recorded in the United States?

A - 114 degrees Fahrenheit
B - 124 degrees F.
C - 134 degrees F.
D - 144 degrees F.

Answer >>> C - The highest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. was in California's Death Valley. The temperature reached 134 degrees. The hottest record on Earth took place in El Aisisa, Libya. That temp was 136F.

When does summer officially start in the Northern Hemisphere?

A - June 19th
B - June 21st
C - June 22nd
D - It varies

Answer >>> D - It varies. The summer solstice doesn't always occur on June 21. In 1896, summer began on June 20. It won't begin on that same date again until 2012.

It's not just the heat. It really is the humidity! When the thermometer reads 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity stands at 60%, how hot do you really feel, according to the National Weather Service's heat index?

A - 116 degrees F.
B - 126 degrees F.
C - 136 degrees F.
D - 146 degress F.

Answer >>> C - According the heat index, 100 degrees F at 60% relative humidity will warm the human body as much as heat at 136 degrees F at 0% humidity. When the Heat Index gets above 90 then it's time to take some precautions. About 175 people die in this country every year due to excessive heat.

What is the official definition of a heat wave?

A - Two or more days of 90+ degree weather.
B - Three or more days of 90+ degree weather.
C - Any period of unusually hot weather.
D - A period of 48 consecutive hours when the air temperature is 15% or more above normal.
E - There is no "official" definition.

Answer >>> E - There is no universal "official" definition. The National Weather service has set no temperature or duration to define a heat wave. The American Heritage dictionary defines a heat wave as, "a period of unusually hot weather."

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[Pippin]

Hi, (((TM)))

[JustAmy]

Happy Wednesday, ((((( Pippin )))))

[Pippin]

((((BILLIE))))

Another day gone to the DOGS! LOL!

[Pippin]

(((GABZ)))!

What's up?

[Pippin]

Good Afternoon, (((Lakeside)))!

[Pippin]

(((DOLLY)))!

Named after my favorite First Lady (well, of the 19th century anyway)

[Pippin]

(((Aeronaut)))!

Flying high!

[Pippin]

How's everything?

[JustAmy]

HOT

[GailA]

Good afternoon, a fun thread today.

[Gabz]

Hugs back atcha!!!!

Same old, same old here. We have actually managed to go 5 whole days without rain!!!!!

How's things with you?

[Pippin]

UGH!

Got A/C?

[Pippin]

The same old thing, HHHWHPL! (Hot Hazy Humid With Pathetic Liberals)

[Mama_Bear]

Good afternoon, Aeronaut. That's a snazzy plane you've got there!

[Gabz]

LOL!!!

Same here.

We house, kids and dogs sat for friends 2 weeks ago for the weekend while they attended a conference - and of course they want to return the favor by taking mine for a weekend. I told her that I would probably be taking her up on the offer in January, when she asked me why I wasn't sure, I told her it would depend on the results election night.

She is totally apolitical and had no clue what I was talking about. I told her the outcome would determine if I would be making a trip to DC in January for Inauguration......she's still slightly perturbed with me because I won't tell her how I wish the outcome to be, because I told her that she would probably root for the other guy so I wouldn't be going!!!!!

[Mama_Bear]

Man oh man, it's a hot one today. I just came in from outside. It's not fit for man nor beast out there. LOL

I think you have it right, the official definition of a heat wave is Fresno in August. ;-)

The dentist trip could have gone better. This is the first time I have had a dentist hurt me........and he really hurt me. :-(

[Mama_Bear]

Morning Mama Bear - I don't envy your trip to the Dentist.

Hi Gabz. I sure didn't want to go. This was not a good morning. But I just went and got my pain pills and I'll be feeling real good soon....I hope. LOL

[JustAmy]

I need to run an errand. It won't take very long, but I hate to go out in this heat. *gasp*

[Gabz]

I've done the root canal routine - so you have my complete and total sympathy and understanding.

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning Mama Bear. I'll be thinking about you today as you go through a root canal. Praying things will go smoothly without much pain.

Thank you, Lakeside. The dentist visit could have gone better, but it's over now. I will need to go back in three weeks, but then that should be the end of it, for awhile.

I really have a hard time with the heat and my body much prefers cooler temps. Bring on winter!!

Well, it's coming, even though I would stop it if I could. LOL. I have lived in an arid hot climate too long. I can't handle the damp cold winters.

You're from Wisconsin? Maybe you could give me a few pointers on what to cover when I present your state? ;-)