It’s once again summertime in the Capital City, and communities are feeling the heat all throughout the state. While we’re used to warmer summers here in New Jersey, it doesn’t take more than a moment outside to recognize this isn’t just your average summer heat. Whether you love the scorching summer sun or are longing for the winter winds, it doesn’t seem like any of us will be dodging these high temps any time soon. While we may be feeling bogged down by the warmer weather, encouragement can be found from New Jersey residents of years gone by. After all, this recent heat wave is certainly not our community’s first! Today, let’s chill out with some cool facts as we have a look at the heat waves of New Jersey’s past.

Before we begin, let’s first define what a heat wave is. While it’s a term we often hear thrown around throughout the warmer months, did you know that there is not one set definition for what constitutes a heat wave? Generally speaking, a heat wave is defined as a prolonged period, usually two days or longer, in which an area experiences unusually high temperatures for their particular geographic region. While we don’t often think of heat waves in the same way we might perceive other natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes, these abnormal weather events absolutely have the ability to be just as impactful as other, more visible experiences of extreme weather. If you’ve been feeling weathered by this heat, know you aren’t alone – in fact, New Jersey’s been home to several record-breaking heat waves over the years!

The hottest day ever recorded in New Jersey history took place on July 10th, 1936 in Runyon. On that historic day, temperatures reached around 110F, the highest our state has ever recorded. Beyond just the brutal heat, this scorching hot day further exacerbated the already-difficult conditions of the Great Depression. At a time when resources were scarce and opportunities for relief were few and far between, enduring that kind of heat posed a profound risk to physical health and well-being. No doubt a trying moment for those already enduring the unimaginable, we must never overlook the impact our climate can have on our day to day existences. Now, even almost 100 years since that record-taking day, residents of the Garden State have not since experienced heat of that magnitude. However, that doesn’t mean we haven’t come close!

Over the years, New Jersey, and the Northeastern United States at large, have undergone a number of heat waves which have made their way into the pages of our history books. For example, in 1972, a 16-day heat wave took place in New York and the Northeast which would ultimately go on to claim the lives of almost 900 individuals. As the past has taught us, the concern of heat waves does not boil down to temperature alone, but rather the combination of temperature and length of time. In New Jersey, the longest heat wave to ever grip our communities took place in 1993, when sweltering temperatures gripped our state for approximately 52 days. Undoubtedly a long time to languish in the heat, our hats are off to those who endured this oppressive heat in stride.

While there isn’t much we can do to stop heat waves once they’ve hit, there are plenty of steps we can take to stay safe when we find ourselves in warmer weather. By staying hydrated, limiting your time in the sun, and keeping an eye out for important local weather announcements, you can stay ahead of the heat and protect yourself from temperature-related illness. In instances of extreme heat, members of the community can also avail themselves to resources like cooling centers, community pools, and recreational centers, all of which can help provide those in need with a place to escape the high temperatures. As we look forward to cooler, crisper days ahead, we hope this brief history of heat waves was a welcome respite from the hot summer sun. Stay cool, Trenton!

The post Historic Happenings: The Heat Waves of NJ History first appeared on TrentonDaily.