Dog Days of Summer Quiz

Quiz

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

  • 114 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • 124 degrees F.
  • 134 degrees F.
  • 144 degrees F.

2. When does summer officially start in the Northern Hemisphere?

  • June 19.
  • June 21.
  • June 22.
  • It varies.

3. The hottest, most humid six weeks of the year start in July. They're called the "dog days of summer" -- when everyone slows down and succumbs to the heat. Where does this phrase come from?

  • Because we walk around panting -- just like an over-heated K9.
  • Because the heat makes us cranky and we bark at each other.
  • Hot dog sales reach an all-time high.
  • This dates back to the early 1900's, when the New York City chief-of-police noted an annual increase in crime during the month of July and the first two weeks of August.
  • These hot six weeks are named after Sirius, the dog star.

4. 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?

  • 116 degrees F.
  • 126 degrees F.
  • 136 degrees F.
  • 146 degrees F.

5. What is the official definition of a heat wave?

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

1. What was the highest summer temperature ever recorded in the United States?
134 degrees F.

2. When does summer officially start in the Northern Hemisphere?
It varies.

3. The hottest, most humid six weeks of the year start in July. They're called the "dog days of summer" -- when everyone slows down and succumbs to the heat. Where does this phrase come from?
These hot six weeks are named after Sirius, the dog star.

4. 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?
136 degrees F.

5. What is the official definition of a heat wave?
There is no "official" definition.

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