August has been labeled the “Dog Days of Summer” to describe the hottest, most humid period of the summer. The phrase refers to the period when the star, Sirius, known as the “Dog Star,” rises and sets with the sun. Ancient Romans associated this time with the year’s hottest weather, giving rise to the expression “the dog days of summer.”
Every August, the NFH inflates that expression by featuring pictures of dogs trying to beat the heat at the end of summer. Although the “dog days of summer” have nothing to do with our canine friends, we like any opportunity to bring you cute photos of dogs hanging out in pools, lakes, on beaches, running through the hose or laying around in the shade.
Of note: We are happy to receive fun photos of your pets or farm animals for our monthly feature, Phun Photos. Send them to marylounfh@gmail.com (subject phun photos).
It’s been a hot summer; according to Fox Weather, spring was the second-warmest on record, and the hotter-than-normal conditions have been ongoing throughout the summer. Severe heatwaves have triggered hundreds of daily high-temperature records across both the East and West coasts.
September is around the corner and it is anyone’s guess what the weather will bring us. According to Weather Spark, we will see comfortable, mild-to-warm conditions with above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation in September. And that means fire danger isn’t going away come fall.
This summer’s raging wildland fires have wreaked havoc in Colorado.
The Aspen Acres Fire had scorched more than 97,500 acres and 337 homes in Pueblo and Custer counties as of July 11. It was one of the largest and most destructive wildfires in Colorado history. According to the Colorado Sun, the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office reported that 254 homes were demolished in Pueblo County in the Aspen Acres. Most of those homes were located in the Beulah area.
A few homeowners have talked to the press about their losses, and it’s devastating to read about people losing everything, from sentimental keepsakes to vital records. At the same time, the fire victims also mentioned the kindness and generosity of neighbors and strangers who have given them supplies, money, food and even a place to stay — communities coming together.
Fireworks were banned this year because of the fires, and perhaps we should make that ban permanent. Colorado is in the top 10 of states vulnerable to wildfires because of its elevation, dry forests and frequent lightning strikes. As you will see on the front page, the El Paso County fair this year replaced fireworks with drones, and the designs and displays were amazing!
Our advertisers have dropped off a bit, including our long-time anchor, School District 49, so we are a little light this month. We always manage to come back, however.
Stay cool: the Dog Days of Summer are officially here! Have a nice Labor Day, and, like the old 60s song goes: 🎵“See you in September.” 🎵
