Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The "Dog Days of Summer" refer to the hottest, stickiest, most sultry days of summer. Traditionally, they occur in the period between early July and early August. 

The term "Dog Days" was coined by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who referred to these days as "dies caniculares" (days of the dogs). This was because they associated the hot summer days with the star Sirius, also known as the Dog Star, in the constellation Canis Major (the Greater Dog). During this period, Sirius rises at the same time as the sun. The ancients believed that Sirius, being the brightest star in the night sky, contributed to the heat of the day, thus leading to the term "Dog Days".

Due to the precession of the Earth's axis, the actual astronomical events that the Greeks and Romans were referring to occur at different times of the year now. The Dog Days of Summer in 2023 are from July 3 to August 11 (40 days). Whatever dates they fall on, the phrase "Dog Days of Summer" is still used colloquially to refer to the hot, lazy days of midsummer. Stay hydrated!

On the northern Gulf Coast, the Dog Days of Summer are marked by a consistent pattern of hot, humid weather. This is when the subtropical sun scorches the coast and the temperature often reaches its annual peak. The heat is accompanied by high humidity, a product of the warm Gulf waters, making the air feel even more stifling. Residents and visitors alike seek refuge in the shade or air conditioning during the day, saving outdoor activities for the cooler, early morning or evening hours. Despite the intense heat, the Dog Days of Summer on the Gulf Coast are also a time of vibrant sunsets, warm sea breezes, and an abundance of marine life, making it a uniquely beautiful time of year.