July Begins The Dog Days
First, July 3rd marks the beginning of the “Dog Days of Summer,” the period between July 3rd and August 11th when the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the Dog Star. It was once believed that due to the star’s position at this time of year that it somehow conspired with the Sun to make the days hotter!
July Weather Lore Dates to Watch For
July 4th — Knee-High By The Fourth of July – This is an old saying once used by farmers to measure the success of their corn crops—if it had grown knee-high by Independence Day, it was a good sign and meant they could count on high yields for the year. Today, due to the advancements in agriculture, growing techniques, and better disease and pest control, corn farmers can expect plants to reach 8 feet by July, according to the Iowa Corn Growers Association. Now, knee-high doesn’t quite measure up!
July 15 — St. Swithin’s Day — if on St. Swithin’s Day ye do rain, for forty days it will remain.
July 25 — Puffy white clouds on this day foretells much snow in the coming winter.
July 26 — St. Anne’s Day — Rain on St. Anne’s will continue for a month and a week.
But there are many more sayings.
More July Weather Lore: you heard any of these?
If ant hills are high in July, winter will be snowy.
If the sky beyond the clouds is blue, Be glad, there is a picnic for you.
When wind comes before rain, Soon you may make sail again.
For I fear a hurricane; Last night the moon had a golden ring, And tonight no moon we see.
When the moon is in the north, The skillful fisher goes not forth; When the wind is in the east, ‘Tis good for neither man nor beast;
When the wind is in the south, It blows the flies in the fish’s Mouth; But when the win is in the west, There it is the very best.
Know any other weather lore sayings associated with July? Share them with us here!
