"Dog Days of Summer" Officially End Today

The Dog Days of Summer officially come to an end today. In case you’re wondering, the "dog days" last for 40 days, from July 3 to August 11. They are directly related to the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, in the constellation Canis Major, or the big dog. Sirius is known as the Dog Star, and we see it clearly illuminating the night sky from early Autumn through early Spring.

However, during this time of the year, Sirius rises and sets with the Sun. During late July, Sirius is in “conjunction” with the Sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the Sun, creating a stretch of very hot, humid, and sultry weather. Actually, the conjunction of Sirius with the Sun varies slightly with latitude, and a gradual drifting of the constellations over time means that they are not in exactly the same place in the sky as they were in ancient Rome.

Although this is typically the warmest time of the year in southwestern Connecticut, the added heat is not due to the added radiation of a far-away star, regardless of how bright it is. The heat of Summertime in the Northern Hemisphere is a direct result of the Earth’s 23.5 degree tilt on its axis. Today's normal high temperature is 82 degrees, just one degree shy of the normal high for late July.

Paul

Generous Rainfall Soaks Southwestern Connecticut

Here are the latest rainfall reports from across the region, courtesy of the National Weather Service: https://t.co/KP6gKh9lT1 pic.twitter.com/Ycmmtq8DOu

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorekWICC) August 7, 2024

Paul

Flood Watch in Effect for Southwestern Connecticut Through Wednesday at 12 p.m. EDT

A Flood Watch will be in effect for southwestern Connecticut from Tuesday at 2 p.m. until Wednesday at 12 p.m. EDT: https://t.co/eeM7qxNpmt pic.twitter.com/rhZXxF4836

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorekWICC) August 5, 2024

Paul

Summer's Midpoint in the Northern Hemisphere Happens This Tuesday, August 6, 2024

The midpoint of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere occurs this Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 12:47 p.m. EDT. The Summer Solstice will have happened 47 days earlier, and the Autumnal Equinox will be 47 days away. pic.twitter.com/V86vMNynNh

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorekWICC) August 5, 2024

Paul

July Hotter and Wetter-Than-Normal Across Southwestern Connecticut

The month of July was hotter and wetter-than-normal across southwestern Connecticut. In fact, all seven months this year have featured a warmer-than-normal average temperature at the Bridgeport climate station, while last month was the fourth out of seven with above-average precipitation.

The average temperature for July was 77.2°, which is 1.5° warmer-than-normal. The range was 92° (July 16) and 63° (July 1 and 3). Nineteen of the 31 days featured an average temperature higher than normal. However, the mercury topped 90° just once (92°) on July 16.

The Bridgeport climate station reported 4.63" of precipitation in July, which is 1.31" above normal. The yearly total (33.42") is more than eight inches higher than normal (25.22"). There were 10 days with at least a trace of precipitation, six days with at least one-tenth of an inch, three days with a half-inch or more, and two days with at least one inch of precipitation.

Paul

Panel Discussion About Connecticut's Historic Tornadoes Highlights Debut of New Twisters Movie at Greenwood Features Theater in Bethel

I was thrilled and honored to be one of four panelists discussing Connecticut's historic tornadoes prior to the debut of the new Twisters movie at Greenwood Features movie theater in Bethel last night.

Meteorologist Jack Drake of the Connecticut Weather Center in Danbury orchestrated and hosted the event, which included a meet-and-greet, question-and-answer session, tornado-themed cocktails, and door prizes.

Also on the panel was meteorologist Sam Sagnella and Dan Clark, the first selectman of Bethel. Each of the panelists answered a few questions and spun stories about his experiences with tornadoes, locally, regionally, and nationally.

"Paul, what a joy it was to formally and finally meet you this evening," said Mr. Sagnella. "I will remember this experience forever, and it was an honor to share the 'stage' with you tonight. Well done, and this was super fun."

"I will echo Sam's sentiments," added Mr. Drake, who grew up in Redding and was an avid News 12 Connecticut viewer. "Really honored to share the stage with someone I grew up watching on News 12. Fantastic stories."

Bethel First Selectman Mr. Clark also lived in Redding and reminisced about watching News 12 Connecticut for many years.

Paul