5 Things to Know: Dog Days Begin; 'Wet and Wild Wednesdays' Return

Open again: The is open today after closing for the long weekend.

The next 40 days: The dog days are officially here. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, the so-called "Dog Days" of summer — traditionally known as the hottest days of the year — begin July 3 and last 40 days. Which brings us to our next topic.

Weather this week: According to the National Weather Service, today is supposed to be the hottest of the week. Highs are expected to reach the 90s; showers and thunderstorms are possible late tonight or early Wednesday morning. More showers are in the forecast for Wednesday; sun and temperatures in the 80s are forecast for the rest of the week.

A sure way to cool off: at the return this week. Festivities include music and other entertainment, as well as a giant hillside slip-and-slide for $2 a person (free for kids under 2).

M-59 lane closings: Travels along the east-west highway will be crowded this weekend, as two lanes on eastbound M-59 from Crooks Road to Ryan Road are set to close at 5 a.m. Saturday and reopen at 7 p.m. Sunday. Click here for more .