Q: How did “Dog Days of Summer” originate, and how is the weather affected by it? — Rick Brewer, Smyrna

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Q: How did “Dog Days of Summer” originate, and how is the weather affected by it?

— Rick Brewer, Smyrna

A: The term is associated with late summer, when it is traditionally hazy, hot and humid, said state climatologist David Stooksbury with the University of Georgia. It is associated with the time of the year in which Sirius, known as the “dog star” and the sky’s brightest star, rises around sunrise. Some traditions believed that the heat would make dogs go mad, he said. But Stooksbury added the star has “absolutely nothing” to do with weather conditions. “It’s just something that happens every year,” he said. The exact dates vary from location to location.

Q: I saw on the news that Lawrence Welk didn’t learn English until he was 21 years old. But he was born in North Dakota. Can you explain why?

— Joe Taylor, Atlanta

A: Welk’s German-Russian parents immigrated from the Ukraine to North Dakota in 1893, and he was born and grew up in Strasburg, N.D., a German-speaking community, according to information from North Dakota State University, which has a collection of Welk photos, personal papers and other items. He couldn’t speak English, but decided to learn it upon leaving home on his 21st birthday to pursue music.

Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2022 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).