Summer heat waves are lasting longer

The dog days of summer are known for being among the hottest days of the season. It typically runs from July 3 to August 11 when Sirius rises and sets with the sun.

While ancient civilizations believed the bright star gave off heat and added to the sun’s warmth, we understand that isn’t the case today. Although the hottest days of the year do occur during this time of the year, it’s due in large part to the seasonal lag and a warming climate.

Information compiled by Climate Matters, an independent organization of leading scientists, show that as the climate continues to change the dog days of summer are experiencing longer heat waves.

75% of the 244 cities analyzed by the organization depicts a trend that heat waves are longer than they were a half-century ago.

While many cities across the nation have seen a drastic rise in heat waves, here in Mid-Missouri our climb has been more subtle. On average, Mid-Missouri sees 10 consecutive days of 90 degrees or warmer each year, of which we’ve already experienced in July.

There have been warmer years though, of which was seen as recently as 2016 where we saw nearly 20 consecutive days of 90 degree temperatures.

The data analyzed that although each year varies greatly on how long a heat wave lasts, here in Mid-Missouri we are better off than other warming cities across the nation, even though we are seeing a slight increase in the length of heat waves.