Today's Parola del Giorno is the noun la canìcola, which means the hottest time of the day or midday heat.

This word has an interesting etymology and is derived from the Latin word for puppy, canicula. The hottest part of the day is typically when the sun passes crosses Sirius major and Sirius minor, hence the dog connection and the heat!

Depending on where you live, this is usually between noon and 3:00 PM.

See the noun used below in its context:

Durante le ore di canicola, è consigliabile che i più anziani e i bambini non escano di casa e bevano molta acqua.

During the hottest part of the day, it is advisable that the elderly and children should not leave the house and should drink a lot of water.