How long is dog days in normal time?

"Dog days" don't have a set length in normal time. It's a period of hot, sultry weather that is traditionally associated with the rising of the star Sirius in the constellation Canis Major (the Great Dog).

Here's how it works:

* Ancient Origins: The term "dog days" comes from ancient Roman and Greek beliefs. They thought Sirius' rising coincided with the hottest days of summer, and that its influence caused the heat.

* Astronomical Period: The heliacal rising of Sirius (when it first becomes visible just before sunrise) happens around early July in the Northern Hemisphere.

* Modern Interpretation: Today, "dog days" is more of a general term for the hottest part of summer.

So, how long are "dog days"? There's no official time frame, but it's generally understood to be the hottest period of summer, which can vary by location.