1947 — Aug 1-15, Heat, esp. IL/48, MO/66, WI/12 (540 US excessive heat deaths/1947)–168-175

–175  Blanchard high-end of death range based on State and locality breakouts below.[1]

–168  Blanchard low-end of death range based on State and locality breakouts below.[2]

–152  AP. “New Heat Wave Starts Moving.” Republican Courier, Findlay, OH, 8-9-1947, p. 1.

–145  Logansport Press, IN. “New Heat Wave Arrives Today Warning by US.” 8-9-1947, 1.

–135  Joplin Globe, MO. “Long Heat Wave Partly Broken with 135 Dead.” 8-8-1947, p. 1.

–112  AP. “Temperature of 95 Forecast in Area….” Alton Evening Telegraph, 8-8-1947, 1.[3]

–111  Logansport Pharos Tribune, IN. “Four-Day Heat Wave Broken.” 8-7-1947, p. 1.[4]

—  69  Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Heat Wave Death Toll Numbers 69.” 8-7-1947, 1.[5]

—  69  Ironwood Daily Globe, MI. “Heat Death Toll for Nation 69…” 8-7-1947, 1.

—  69  Zanesville Signal, OH. “Temperature at 94 as Heat Wave Continues.” 8-7-1947, p. 1.

—  39  Hope Star, AR.  “39 Dead from Year’s Worst Heat Wave.” 8-6-1947, p. 4.

—  24  AP. “Immediate Respite from Heat…Not in Sight.” Dixon Evening Telegraph, IL, 8-6-1947, 1.

—  20  Joplin Globe, MO.  “Heat Wave Death Toll Reaches 20.” 8-6-1947, p. 1.

—  19  AP. “Heat Wave Hangs On; 19 Are Dead.” Joplin News Herald, MO. 8-6-1947, p. 1.

—  17  Lubbock Morning Avalanche, TX. “17 Are Dead In Heat Wave.” 8-6-1947, p. 1.

 

Summary of State Breakouts Below

 

Alabama        (      1) Aug 5-8

Arkansas        (    10) Aug 1-11        

Illinois            (    48) Aug 2-8           Especially Chicago  (44)

Indiana           (  1-8)  Aug 5-8          

Iowa                (      7) Aug 5-10

Kentucky       (      3) Aug 7-8

Massachusetts(     2) Aug 13 and 15           

Missouri         (    66) Aug 2-13         Especially St. Louis (65)

New York       (      2) Aug 8 and 14    

Ohio                (      8) Aug 4-13

Pennsylvania (      3) Aug 5, 13 and 15       

Tennessee      (      2) Aug 5 

Texas              (      3) Aug 8-13                    

Wisconsin      (    12) Aug 5-13         Especially Milwaukee (6)

 

Breakout of Heat-Related Deaths by State and Locality (where noted):

 

Alabama     (      1)     Aug 5-8          

–1  State. Blanchard estimate.[6]

–3  State. Ironwood Daily Globe, MI. “Heat Death Toll for Nation 69…” 8-7-1947, 1.

–3      “    Joplin Globe, MO. “Long Heat Wave Partly Broken with 135 Dead.” 8-8-1947, p. 1.

–1  Birmingham, Aug 5. Overcome by heat; 102° weather; John Hollins, 53.[7]

 

Arkansas     (    10)    Aug 1-11                                            

–10  Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

—  6  Associated Press. “Scattered Rain Over Arkansas,” Camden News, AR. 8-12-1947, p. 1.

—  6  Blytheville Courier News, AR. “Scorching 103 Recorded…Death Toll…Six.” 8-4-1947, p1.

—  5  State.  Joplin Globe, MO. “Long Heat Wave Partly Broken with 135 Dead.” 8-8-1947, p. 1.

—  3    “ Aug 5-6 (24 hrs). Hope Star, AR. “39 Dead from Year’s Worst Heat Wave.” 9-6-1947, 4.

Breakout of Arkansas heat-reported deaths by locality, where noted:

–1  Batesville, prior to Aug 3.[8]

–1  Blytheville, Aug 6. Sunstroke and heat exhaustion; Joe C. Bilbrey, 62, truck farming.[9]

–1  Center Ridge, Conway Co., Aug 11. Overcome by heat; William Jennings Stripling, 68.[10]

–2  Craighead County, prior to Aug 3.[11]

–1  Fort Smith, Aug 11. Overcome Aug 9. William A. Sossamon, 58, Sossamon Lumber Co.[12]

–1  Hardy, Aug 3. Blytheville Courier, AR. “Scorching 103…Death Toll…Six.” 8-4-1947, p. 1.

–1  Marked Tree farmer, prior to Aug 3.[13]

–1  Pine Bluff, Aug 3. Blytheville Courier, AR. “Scorching 103…Death Toll…Six.” 8-4-1947, p. 1.

–1  Locale not noted, Aug 11. “Two additional deaths attributed to the heat…recorded yesterday…”[14]

 

Illinois         (    48)    Aug 2-8           Especially Chicago (44)

–48  Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

–44  Chicago. Joplin Globe, MO. “Long Heat Wave Partly Broken with 135 Dead.” 8-8-1947, 1.

–25       “         Ironwood Daily Globe, MI. “Heat Death Toll for Nation 69…” 8-7-1947, p. 1.

–14       “ by Aug 6. Associated Press. “Heat Toll Rises.” Kansas City Star, MO, 8-6-1947, p. 1.

–12       “         Hope Star, AR. “39 Dead from Year’s Worst Heat Wave.” 8-6-1947, p. 4.[15]

–4  Aug 5-6 (24-hour period).[16]       

—  1  Eldorado, Saline County, Aug 6. Heat exhaustion; John Onan, 82.[17]

—  2  Peoria.  Joplin Globe, MO. “Long Heat Wave Partly Broken with 135 Dead.” 8-8-1947, p1.

—  1  Springfield, Aug 5. Heat Prostration; Mrs. Anna Schmitt, 84; died at St. John’s Hospital.[18]

 

Indiana        (1-8)      Aug 5-8          

–8  State. Seymour Daily Tribune, IN. “Weather Man Hints Second Wave of Heat.” 8-8-1947, 1.

–1  Gwynneville, Aug 5. Heat exhaustion; miss Cornelia Addison, 77.[19]

 

Iowa             (     7)     Aug 5-10        

–7  Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

–5  Daily Times Herald, Carroll, IA. “No Relief from Summer Heat; Crops Suffer.” 8-8-1947, 1.

–1  Cedar Rapids, Aug 7. Heat stroke; Raymond C. Johnson, in ambulance on way to hospital.[20]

–1  Council Bluffs, Aug 6. “Heat apoplexy” (County Coroner statement); Ira V. Watson, 70.[21]

–1  Davenport, Aug 5. Heart attack “caused by the heat” (coroner); Ambrose Hilderbrand, 60.[22]

–1  Davenport, Aug 7. Heat death; Otto Henning, 66, found dead in his room.[23]

–1  Okoboji, Aug 5. Frank Elston, 77, at home.[24]

–1  Onawa, by Aug 6. Mrs. J. B. Alexander, 71, at home.[25]

–1  Sioux City, Aug 10. Heart attack; male, 52, while marching in parade, 97-degree heat.[26]

 

Kentucky      (     3)   Aug 7-8          

–3  Louisville. Joplin Globe, MO. “Long Heat Wave Partly Broken with 135 Dead.” 8-8-1947, 1

–2  Louisville.  Ironwood Daily Globe, MI. “Heat Death Toll for Nation 69…” 8-7-1947, 1.

 

Massachusetts(   2)   Aug 13 and 15           

–1  Belvidere, Aug 15; Heat exhaustion (medical examiner); Michael Janocka.[27]

–1  East Boston, Aug 13. Heat death, 97 degrees shortly after noon.[28]

 

Missouri       (   66)    Aug 2-13         Especially St. Louis (65)

–66  State. Blanchard tally from breakouts below.

—  1  Cape Girardeau, Aug 4. David Amrbein, 4, of Illmo, MO, at Cape Girardeau hospital.[29]

–65  St. Louis. AP. “Cloudy Skies…18-Day Heat Wave.” Moberly Monitor-Index, MO. 8-14-1947, p. 1.

–57  St. Louis. AP. “St. Louis Death Toll…at 57.” Daily Capital News, Jefferson City MO, 8-9-1947, 1.[30]

–50      “  AP. “Heat Toll in St. Louis Area…50.” Moberly Monitor-Index, MO, 8-8-1947, 1.[31]

–40      “         Joplin Globe, MO. “Long Heat Wave Partly Broken…135 Dead.” 8-8-1947, 1.

–22      “ by Aug 7. AP. “Heat Toll: 22.” Mexico Evening Ledger, MO, 8-7-1947, p. 1.

–11      “ by Aug 6. Hope Star, AR. “39 Dead from Year’s Worst Heat Wave.” 8-6-1947, p. 4.

—  6      “ by Aug 4. INS. “Slow Moving Cool Air….” Defiance Crescent-News, OH, 8-5-1947, 1.

—  1  Aug 13. AP. “Cloudy Skies…18-Day Heat Wave.” Moberly Monitor-Index, MO. 8-14-1947, p1.

—  1  Aug 12. Dr. David C. Richardson, 44, of Tamaroa, IL, at Belcher hotel (coroner rpt.).[32]

–19  Aug 8. Joplin Globe, MO. “Long Heat Wave Partly Broken…135 Dead.” 8-8-1947, 1.

–12  Aug 8. AP. “Heat Toll in St. Louis Area…50.” Moberly Monitor-Index, MO, 8-8-1947, 1.

–11  Aug 7. Assoc. Press. “Heat Toll: 22.” Mexico Evening Ledger, MO, 8-7-1947, 1.[33]

—  3  Aug 4. Moberly Monitor-Index, MO. “St. Louis Reports Three New Deaths…Heat Wave,” 8-5-1947, 4.[34]

—  3  Aug 2. Lubbock Morning Avalanche, TX. “17 Are Dead In Heat Wave.” 8-6-1947, p. 1.

 

New York       (   2)    Aug 8 and 14             

–1  Brighton, Aug 8. Heat stroke; James Banker, 28, while playing golf; 4^th day of heat wave.[35]

–1  Syracuse, ~Aug 14. Man.[36]

 

Ohio              (     8)    Aug 4-13        

–14  Circleville Herald, OH. “Ohio Counts 14 Dead In Record Heat Wave.” 8-7-1947, p. 1.[37]

–11  State.      Joplin Globe, MO. “Long Heat Wave Partly Broken with 135 Dead.” 8-8-1947, 1.

—  8  State.      Ironwood Daily Globe, MI. “Heat Death Toll for Nation 69…” 8-7-1947, p. 1.

—  8  State. Blanchard tally, counting only heat-stroke, heat-exhaustion, heat-prostration deaths.

—  6  State. Heat prostration by Aug 9.[38]

—  1  Cincinnati, Aug 4. Heart condition “aggravated by…96-degree heat…” Richard A. Martin, 71.[39]

—  2  Cleveland, Aug 13. George York, 60, and Lawrence J. Bause, 62.[40]

—  1  Kalida area, Aug 6. Heat prostration; Albert Burkhart, 77, found dead in his farm corn field.[41]

—  1  Ottawa, ~ Aug 6-7. Heat death.[42]

—  1  Toledo, ~Aug 6-7. Heart attack after becoming “overcome by heat.” Carl Weagley, 49.[43]

—  1  Youngstown. Zanesville Signal, OH. “Temperature…94…Heat Wave Continues.” 8-7-1947.[44]

—  1  Not noted. AP. “Ohio Heat Wave Appears Broken.” Republican-Courier, Findlay OH, 8-9-1947, 7.

 

Pennsylvania (    3)   Aug 5, 13 and 15       

–1  Mount Lebanon, Aug 5. Charles Mencarelli, 62, stricken while working as laborer.[45]

–1  Pittsburgh, Aug 13. Heat prostration; Mrs. Sadie Ella Simpson, 94.”[46]

–1  Wilkes-Barre, Aug 15. “…the fourth day of 90-plus temperatures resulted in…death of a miner.”[47]

 

Tennessee      (    2)    Aug 5             

–2  AP. “Heat Wave Claims Its 2^nd Victim In State.” Kingsport News, TN, 8-7-1947, p. 1.

–1  Chattanooga, Aug 5. Jesse Scott; arrived at hospital with body temperature of 109 degrees.

–1  Paris area, Henry County, Aug 5. Lucian Hilliard, 56, collapsed/died operating ice truck.[48]

 

Texas              (   3)    Aug 8-13                    

–1  Fort Worth, ~Aug 12-13. Heat death.[49]

–1  Houston, Aug 8. Heat prostration; male construction worker collapsed at work.[50]

–1  Tyler, Aug 9. Heat exposure and malnutrition (coroner’s verdict). Mrs. Lolo C. Sharer, 51.[51]

 

Wisconsin     (   12)   Aug 5-13         Especially Milwaukee (6)

–12  Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.

–11  Racine Journal-Times, WI. “Heat Wave Broken; Death Toll Mounts.” 9-7-1947, 1.

—  1  Cudahy, by Aug 7. Racine Journal-Times, WI. “Heat Wave Broken; Death Toll Mounts.” 9-7-1947, 1.

—  1  Fond du Lac, by Aug 7. Racine Journal-Times, WI. “Heat Wave Broken; Death Toll Mounts.” 9-7-1947, 1.

—  1  Kenosha, Aug 6. Heart attack “induced by the heat” (coroner); Peter Petersen, 72.[52]

—  1  Madison, Aug 11. Overcome Aug 9, died Aug 11; C. W. Dresser, 70.[53]

—  6  Milwaukee. Racine Journal-Times, WI. “Heat Wave Broken; Death Toll Mounts.” 9-7-1947, 1.

–1  Howard Coulan, 39.

–1  John P. Georgen, 65.

–1  George Huband, 65.

–1  Mrs. Elizabeth Knapp, 53.

–1  George W. Lane, 38.

–1  Albert Torsen, 63.

—  1  Racine, by Aug 7. Racine Journal-Times, WI. “Heat Wave Broken; Death Toll Mounts.” 9-7-1947, 1.

—  1  Wilmot, Aug 6. Heart attack; exertion in garden and heat contributed; Mrs. Marion Bates, 62.[54]

 

Narrative Information — General

 

Aug 2: “A new heat wave struck the western plains this morning and a large portion of the country got ready for its third major weather change in less than a week. Temperatures which had climbed to new 1947 highs Wednesday [July 29], then skidded to record lows early Friday, were climbing back above normal. But the Weather Bureau said the new heat wave would be less intense and less widespread than the earlier one.

 

“Mountain states sweltered under 100-degree temperatures after a brief respite. The midwest prepared for temperatures ranging between 90 and 100 degrees during the weekend. Easterners hoped the new heat wave would break up over Illinois as predicted by weather experts.

 

“In the south, from Kansas to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Atlantic Ocean through Arizona a heat wave which began early in the week continued, with temperatures hovering around the 100-degree mark.” (UP. “Heat Wave Grips Plains.” Racine Journal-Times, WI. 8-2-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 3: “The U.S. weather bureau said a new heat wave would envelop most of the nation today, and predicted that temperatures for the next four days would be ‘above normal.’ The Midwest was sizzling by Saturday night [2^nd]. Temperatures generally in the central plains through Missouri were over 100, and the mercury rose to the 90’s in the northern plains states, as far north as Minnesota. Skies were sunny, and very little precipitation was expected.

 

“In the east, cool weather which had covered the northeastern states began to disappear as the oven-like Midwestern blasts moved eastward.

 

“In the south, the weather continued hot, averaging between 90 and 100 except in extreme southern Texas, where a tropical storm brought heavy rains and along the Gulf Coast.

 

“Continued hot temperatures were reported in the far West, except along the coast. Inland areas and the Rocky Mountain region were very warm.” (Associated Press. “Sizzling Heat Is Blanketing Nation.” News and Tribune, Jefferson City, MO, 8-3-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 4: “Most of the nation sweltered Monday [4^th] in a sizzling heat wave and forecasters said that, except for a few localities, no relief was in sight for at least another day. The withering heat scorched a huge midsection of the country from the eastern Rocky Mountains to the Appalachians.

 

“In South Dakota Monday, temperatures rose to 108 in Pierre and Philip, and 101 in Rapid City. Advance, Mo., had 105; a high of 104 was reported in Chattanooga, Tenn., and 102 included St. Cloud and St. Paul, Minn., Memphis, Tenn., and Fort Smith, Ark. Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City, had 100. In contrast, the two coasts had comfortable, pleasant weather. On the eastern seaboard, Washington and New York City had 81. Pittsburgh, while not on the coast, had a cool 82. In the west, Seattle, Wash., had a high of 71, San Francisco 84, Los Angeles 74, and San Diego, 76….” (AP. “Heat Scorches Big Midsection of U.S.” Joplin Globe, MO, 8-5-1947, p. 5.)

 

Aug 5-6: “….A break began developing Tuesday [Aug 5] in the year’s worst heat wave as the number of heat deaths rose to at least 17. However, only scattered relief was forecast for thirsting corn and vegetable crops in the Midwest. As thermometers in many Midwest areas touched the 100-degree mark for the third consecutive day, a cold air front from Canada brought relief to parts of Minnesota, the Dakotas and Nebraska.

 

“Weather forecasters said the cooler air, from 15 to 20 degrees below temperatures prevailing during the heat wave, was moving eastward and would extend as far as Illinois and Indiana by Wednesday afternoon. The cooler air brought showers to North Dakota and north-western Minnesota and scattered showers were forecast for the northern Great Lakes area and in parts of Indiana, Ohio, eastern Kentucky and eastern Tennessee.  However, the main corn belt, in need of a good soaking rain, was not expected to receive any widespread relief.  The cooler Canadian air was expected to afford from 36 to 43 hours of relief with warmer weather forecast for later in the week. However, forecasters said temperatures ‘probably would not go as high as during the current heat wave.

 

“The third successive day of 100-degree heat caused three new deaths in St. Louis, bringing the total during the current wave to eight.

 

“Chicago reported three fatal heat prostrations; Arkansas, three; Indiana, Tennessee and Pennsylvania one each.

 

“Among highest temperatures reported Tuesday: Advance, Mo., 107.; Terre Haute, ..Ind., 102;  Topeka, Kan., 103; Lincoln, Neb., 102; Burlington, Ia., 100….

 

“Texas’ heat wave continues. The temperature rose to 100 degrees n at least three cities and the upper 90s in several others through the state.  It was an even 100 at Wichita Falls, Childress and Texarkana. Lufkin, Tyler and Presidio reported 99-degree readings.  Other temperature readings: Dallas, 98; Fort Worth, 98…”  (Lubbock Morning Avalanche, TX. “17 Are Dead In Heat Wave.” 8-6-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 6: “The worst heat wave of the year, still firmly anchored over most of the nation, had caused at least 19 deaths today as it spread into the eastern states. A finger of cold air from Canada had brought substantial relief and some scattered showers to the Dakotas and Minnesota, but it was almost absorbed in Nebraska and western Iowa, where the weather bureau said the temperature drop was only moderate. There was nothing in sight, the bureau said, to dislodge the hot air from the Mississippi valley, south plains and Great Lakes regions generally within the next 24 hours, although the wind shift in Nebraska and western Iowa was moving slowly eastward with relief promised for parts of other north central states tonight and Thursday. Both the eastern and Rocky Mountain states would be warmer today, forecasters said.

 

“No rain of consequence was in immediate prospect for most of the dry midwest topsoil, now generally depleted of moisture by three days of temperatures ranging from the high 90’s to well above 100 degrees. Pastures were reported drying up and hay crops reduced. Corn has fried in at least a few areas.

 

“In Chicago, where the temperatures hit 100 degrees yesterday, Mayor Martin H. Kennelly issued a proclamation saying the conservation of water was ‘imperative.’ More than 200 tenants on second floors had complained, he said, that pressure has been so low at times they were unable to obtain water from faucets.

 

“Fatalities from the heat reported during the past 24 hours included: Chicago 4, Arkansas 3, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Iowa and Wisconsin one each.

 

“Yuma, Ariz., was the hottest spot in the nation yesterday with a high reading of 111. Fresno, Calif., and Advance, Mo., reported 107 degrees. Other high readings included: Batesville, Ark., 106; Paris, Tenn., 105; Houghton, Mich., 103; Omaha, Neb., St. Louis, Mo., Marquette, Mich., Memphis, Tenn., and Nashville, Tenn., 102; Los Angeles, Kansas City, and Little Rock, Ark., 101. Eight other cities, including Des Moines, Ia., Louisville, Ky., Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., had highs of 100.” (Associated Press. “Heat Wave Hangs on: 19 Are Dead.” Joplin News Herald, MO, 8-6-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 7: “By the Associated Press. The Midwest’s longest and most severe heat wave was partially broken Thursday [Aug 7] as deaths attributed to the heat and humidity rose to 133 across the country.  Cool, dry air from Canada provided the relief, but the sun-baked corn belt still was in need of general, soaking rains….

 

“After four successive days of 100-degree heat, temperatures were in the mid-eighties in most midwest states Thursday….Temperatures remained high in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and eastern Texas, but elsewhere normal weather prevailed.

 

“Heat deaths included:  Chicago 44, St. Louis 40, Wisconsin and Ohio 11 each, Indiana 8, Iowa and Arkansas 5 each, Alabama and Louisville, Ky., 3 each, Peoria, Ill., and Tennessee, 2 each, and Pennsylvania 1.

 

“”Twenty-nine deaths from heat exhaustion were reported in the St. Louis area yesterday as sweltering residents awaited a break in the city’s longest and most intense heat wave in 11 years.  A total of 40 deaths have been attributed to the high temperatures since the heat wave began last week.”  (Joplin Globe, MO. “Long Heat Wave Partly Broken with 135 Dead.” 8-8-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 8: “Chicago, Aug. 8 (AP) – A new heat wave started moving into the sun-baked, heat-plagued midwest Friday.  With the toll of deaths attributed to this week’s heat wave growing to 145, temperatures were going up in the Great Plains states and forecasters said readings in the high nineties were in prospect for most of the midwest by Sunday.  They said the new heat wave would last only some 48 hours, however….

 

“Twelve new deaths from heat exhaustion were reported in St. Louis today, bringing the total in that area to 50 for the current heat wave.  Chicago had 44 heat deaths.  Wisconsin and Ohio 11 each, Indiana eight, Iowa and Arkansas five each, Alabama and Louisville, Ky., three each, Peoria, Ill., and Tennessee two each, and Pennsylvania one….”  (Logansport Press, IN. “New Heat Wave Arrives Today Warning by US.” 8-9-1947, 1.)

 

Aug 9: “Corn belt farmers looked vainly for signs of a drenching rain to save their thirsty crops today as the mercury climbed toward the high 90s for the second time in a week. Rain was also badly needed in the mountain and forest areas of the west where thousands of men were fighting fires raging over 30,000 acres of brush-lands. The fires, most of them in California, Nevada and Idaho, were being whipped by high winds.

 

“The high corn prices were expected to push the price of meat even higher later this year.

 

“Instead, the weatherman said that the mercury would hit almost 100 degrees in most parts of the midwest by Sunday as hot winds rolling in from the mountain and north central states.

 

“St. Louis City officials said that bodies of heat wave victims were taxing facilities at the morgue. They feared even more heat fatalities would be brought in today. To date, 57 hot weathr deaths have been reported in the city since July 30. Nineteen died of heat prostration yesterday. City officials said nearly every sudden death in the city was due to the heat.

 

“There was one note of optimism as the new heat wave broke over the midwest. The Chicago weather bureau said it would not last long and would break up earl next week. The bureau said the hot air would not reach the eastern states.

 

“Through Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska and other states in the area, temperatures were already over 100 in some places.” (United Press. “Corn Belt Farmers Look For Signs of Drenching Rain As Mercury Climbs Again.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. 8-9-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 11: “Little rain was in prospect for the nation’s thirsty corn or to quench forest fires today as the midwest experienced a heat wave for the second Monday in a row with forecasts predicting some relief Tuesday [12^th]….

 

“A cooling air mass from the northwest moved very slowly across the Dakotas and into Minnesota today and it was expected to bring relief from near 100-degree temperatures in Iowa, Indiana and southern Wisconsin by late Tuesday, although it was not expected to extend south of the Ohio river.

 

“The nation’s hot spot Sunday was Waco, Tex., which reported an above average 107. Aberdeen, Tyndall and Pierre, S.D., were close behind with 106. The temperature was 100 or more in Kansas City for the eleventh time in the last 15 days Sunday with a high of 100 to 104 expected today. Temperatures were near 100 in Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit today with some relief expected late Tuesday. In Sioux City, Ia., a 52-year-old man fell dead of a heart attack while marching in 97-degree heat in a legion parade Sunday.

 

“Continuing near normal temperatures were forecast on the west coast and somewhat cooler weather predicted for much of the mountain region. The heat wave was expected to move slowly eastward causing a few degrees rise in mercury readings in eastern Indiana and Ohio extending to Pittsburgh today. The warmth will creep farther east Tuesday. In general, however, the eastern seaboard and New England had a pleasant week-end but some rise in temperature and humidity are expected late today and Tuesday. Normal weather prevailed throughout much of the southeast.” (AP. “”Midwest Has Little Chance To Get Rain.” Joplin News Herald, MO. 8-11-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 13: “The midwestern heat wave will be broken by Thursday night [14^th], the U.S. weather bureau reported today. A fast-moving mass of cool air from the northwest forced a revision of earlier forecast which held out the dreary prospect of no relief until the weekend….The Chicago weather bureau said temperatures in the 80s should prevail throughout the midwest by Thursday night, except for the southern section of Ohio, Illinois and Missouri, which may not get much relief. The cool air mass was expected to blanket all of Iowa by tonight and work eastward through Illinois, Indiana and Ohio by tomorrow night….” (Associated Press. “Break in Heat Wave Forecast Tomorrow.” Moberly Monitor-Index, MO. 8-13-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 14: “Eastern states today were suffering from their worst heat wave of the year, along the Atlantic seaboard from New England to Virginia. Coast residents sought refuge from temperatures in the high 90’s. The mercury was expected to go still higher before relief comes, possibly tomorrow night.

 

“As the center of the nation’s prolonged heat wave moved eastward, lower temperatures were recorded in the central states. But there still was little or no relief in sight for withering crops in the corn belt states.

 

“A few scattered showers were forecast for tonight in southern Illinois, southern and central Indiana and north-central Missouri, but no rain of any consequence was in sight for the parched corn-land in Iowa or Nebraska. At Omaha, Neb., National Farm Loan Association secretaries in key corn producing areas reported that the dry, blistering heat had reduced corn prospects from 25 to 35 per cent and that each hot day knocked down prospects 10 to 15 per cent more….” (United Press. “Little Relief In Sight For Withering Crops.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL. 8-14-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 15: “New Englanders and Easterners sweltered Friday [15^th] in near record temperatures, but the weather bureau forecast relief Saturday. Some of the midwestern corn belt received needed rain. New Yorkers had the hottest day of the season, with 93 degrees and high humidity. Other temperatures reported included 97 at Portland, Me., 95 at Concord, H.H., and 94 at Boston, Philadelphia and Washington.

 

“Cooler air began to overspread northern Maine late Friday, and relief was due in New York by about noon Saturday and in Philadelphia and Washington by evening.

 

“The middle west enjoyed moderate temperatures in the 80’s Friday after a three-day siege of hot weather….” (AP. “East Swelters In Near Record Heat.” Joplin Globe, MO, 8-16-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 16: “Continued relief for rain-starved corn fields in the southern portions of Illinois and Indiana was predicted today. The U.S. weather bureau reported light to moderate rains would continue to fall throughout the day and into the evening in a southern area of the midwest extending from Ohio to Nebraska. However, they foresaw no relief for the northern regions of Illinois and Indiana and for Wisconsin and Michigan.

 

“Temperatures in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and southern Michigan were expected to range from the high 70s to the middle 80s. Northern Michigan anticipated temperatures in the high 60s.

 

“A weather official explained that a ‘stationary front’ created by a meeting of hot and cold air masses in these areas was responsible for moderate temperatures and fair weather. At the frontal portion of the stationary front, thunder-showers developed.

 

“Rainfall was urgently needed for the corn crop which is silking. Farm experts said an excessive amount of drying winds would interfere with pollination, resulting in light, chaffy ears with little feed value. Experts added some hope to the picture, however. They said the corn crop appears in much better shape than it did two years ago.

 

“In the East, the weatherman finally promised slight relief from some of the most torrid weather of the year. New York expected temperatures in the mid-80s today, following the year’s high of 93.6 yesterday. Philadelphia anticipated a temperature of 93 degrees coupled with 70 per cent humidity.

 

“The scorching heat wave has taken four lives to date. In Wilkes-Barre, Pa., the fourth day of 90-plus temperatures resulted in the death of a miner.

 

“The nation’s capital was faced with 90 degree temperatures today, but predicted showers in the afternoon and evening were expected to bring the mercury down. Washington’s temperature reached 96.3 yesterday for its third hottest day of 1947.

 

“Southwestern United States continued to swelter. Oklahoma temperatures were expected to hit th e100 mark today, while New Mexico forecasts called for scattered thundershowers with highs ranging from 80 to 90.

 

‘The weather forecast for the Pacific Northwest area was partly cloudy with moderate temperature. Southern Idaho was expected to have temperatures in the mid-90s.” (Int. News Service. “Hot and Cool Air Fight For Area Mastery.” Circleville Herald, OH, 8-16-1947, p. 1.)

 

Alabama

 

Aug 5-6: “The weatherman dived deep into his collection of low temperatures Wednesday morning [6^th] and came up empty handed for Decatur. The best he could offer was a noon-time reading of 98 in the city today with a prospect of something warmer about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday’s high temperature was 103 with slight relief in the afternoon when high winds, rain and hail slashed across South Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

 

“Hardest hit by yesterday’s heat wave was the city of Cullman which sweltered to the tune of 105 degrees. Montgomery citizens suffered their hottest weather since 1933 when the temperature jumped to 104. The local weatherman held out little hope for a cooler reading. Like everyone else in the city, he merely panted ‘It’s hot.’” (Decatur Daily, AL. “Decatur, Too ‘Plenty Hot’.”  8-6-1947, p. 2.)

 

Aug 6-7: “The temperature soared in Decatur Thursday morning [7^th] after rains which last night offered temporary relief from the four-day heat wave. Wednesday’s maximum temperature was listed at 100 by the local weather station with lower readings last night and during the early hours of this morning.” (Decatur Daily, AL. “Mercury Up After Rains.” 8-7-1947, p. 2.)

 

Arkansas

 

Aug 3: “Blytheville climbed near the top of the list of Arkansas hot spots yesterday [3^rd] when the temperature moved from the century marks of Thursday and Friday to 103 degrees, which was within four points of the 107-degree reading recorded for Searcy. It was the fourth consecutive day here during which the highest temperature was 100 degrees or more. The week-end heat also dropped from second place the cool-by-comparison 98 degrees recorded earlier last week. Saturday’s high of 101 degrees took over the runner-up spot for high temperatures as Blytheville residents vainly sought relief from the persistent heat wave. The 103-degree mark was reached on both Thursday and Friday and these readings combined with the scorching week-end to thoroughly eclipse the 1943 high of 98 degrees recorded a year ago this month. The nights brought little or no relief over the week-end. Lowest temperature during last night was 75 degrees, according to Robert E. Baylock, official weather observer here. A los of 72 degrees was recorded during Saturday night.

 

“Two deaths from heat over the weekend brought to six the number of such tragedies in Arkansas during the current heat wave. And the weather man in Little Rock said that the 100-degree-plus temperatures will continue through today.

 

“Not a single spot in Arkansas reported a temperature lower than 100 degrees yesterday with the mercury ranging from 100 to a high of 107 at Search. Hot Springs claimed the dubious honor of moving into second place with 106 dropped back to 105 along with Batesville, Newport and Dardanelle. Reporting 104’s were Mena, Fort Smith and Corning while Arkadelphia, Brinkley, Camden, Jonesboro and Pine Bluff tied Blytheville’s 103. Monticello reported 102, Little Rock 101, while Harrison, Texarkana, El Dorado, Fayetteville, Stuttgart, Wilson and Nashville registered 109 degrees.

 

“Succumbing to the heat was Manuel Collins of Ravenden and Thomas E. Byrd of Pine Bluff. The 29-year-old Collins died at Hardy yesterday after collapsing at an ice plant Saturday. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Collins of Ravenden, two brothers and three sisters.

 

“Byrd, 66, died in a Pine Bluff hospital yesterday after suffering a heat stroke Saturday. A native of El Dorado, he formerly was employed by a grocery company in Little Rock. He is survived hy his wife.

 

“Earlier last week heat deaths included two Craighead County men, a Negro of near Batesville and a Marked Tree farmer.” (Blytheville Courier News, AR. “Scorching 103 Recording Here; Death Toll in State Reaches Six.” 8-4-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 6-7: “The current heat wave was expected to finish its second week today [7^th] after Blytheville’s high of 104 degrees yesterday rounded out a full week of sweltering temperatures that reached 100 or higher here each day. Though yesterday’s maximum reading was one degree less than the peak 105-degree highs recorded Tuesday and Wednesday, the difference was too slight to be of comfort to perspiring Blytheville residents.

 

“Hither temperatures continued to be recorded at other points as 107-degree readings yesterday made Gilbert, Hot Springs and Search the hottest spots in the state. The intense heat yesterday was believed responsible for the death of Joe C. Bilbrey, 62, of Blytheville. He was stricken while selling fruit from a truck near Luxora and a doctor indicated that sunstroke and exhaustion probably caused the man’s death.

 

“The searing, sizzling hot weather will continue, the U.S. Weather Bureau in Little Rock said today….Temperatures throughout the state stayed generally above the 100-degree mark yesterday. High temperatures included 106 at Newport and Dardanelle, 105 at Arkadelphia, Batesville, Corning, Morrilton and Pine Bluff, 104 at Blytheville, Brinkley, Fort Smith and Monticello; 103 at Camden, Jonesboro and Little Rock; 102 at El Dorado and Stuttgart; 101 at Texarkana and Wilson; 100 at Fayetteville and 99 at Harrison.” (Blytheville Courier News, AR. “News About Weather Still Hot For Missco and Rest of State.” 8-7-1917, p. 1.)

 

Aug 12: “Arkansas looked hopefully today for a second straight day of comparatively cool summer weather. Accustomed to 100-degree-plus temperatures, the state yesterday [11^th] welcomed maximums in the 90’s, which resulted from cloudiness, scattered showers nad an all-day southeast breeze.

 

“Two additional deaths attributed to the heat of the past two weeks were recorded yesterday, bringing the state’s total of heat deaths for the period to six.

 

“…Maximums of 93 degrees were reported yesterday at Texarkana, Batesville, Monticello and Harrison. Little Rock had a high of 90. The U.S. Weather Bureau at Little Rock said it was the first day since July 26 that it hid not received a report of a maximum of 100 degrees or more.” (Associated Press. “Scattered Rain Over Arkansas,” Camden News, AR. 8-12-1947, p. 1.)

 

Illinois

 

NWS WFO Chicago: “August 1947 Heat Wave. June and July of 1947 featured below normal temperatures, but August was sizzling. The average temperature of 80.2 makes it the hottest August on record. There were 4 days of 100 or greater, including three in a row, and five other days with a temperature of at least 97.” (National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, Chicago, IL. A Comparison of Chicago and Rockford Heat Waves and Hot Summers.)

 

Aug 4, Alton: “Temperature in the Alton area was well on its way today to topping the 100 degree mark for the third day in succession. Top readings recorded Saturday and Sunday [2^nd-3^rd] in the laboratory at American Smelting & Refining Co. were 101 each day. The weather forecast for today predicted temperatures near 100 during the afternoon. Though the temperature reached 101 Sunday, there was a low of 70 recorded at 6:30 a.m. that day. Lowest temperature this morning was a 78 at 5 a.m.

 

“At noon today, the Telegraph recording thermometer read 96, as the mercury continued its climb. The forecast called for fair and continued warm conditions this afternoon, tonight and Tuesday, with highest afternoon temperatures about 100. Lowest temperature Tuesday morning is expected to be near 80….” (Alton Evening Telegraph, IL. “Temperature to Top 100 Third Day in a Row.” 8-4-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 7-8, Alton: “Somewhat cooler weather predicted for the Alton area had already arrived today, or more accurately, Thursday night [7^th], when sleepers reported one of the best nights for slumber in the past two weeks. The temperature had fallen below the 100 degree mark Thursday for the first time in six days, and temperatures between 3:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. today were near 74 degrees.

 

“Another heat prostration case was reported Thursday, Jody Carroll, a painter, residing at 42 West Drive, East Alton, was taken to St. Joseph’s hospital Thursday after he had been overcome by the heat while at work.

 

“The mercury had risen to 82 by 9:30 a.m. today, below its average for the past six days, and the weather forecast called for generally fair skies and continued warm temperatures this afternoon, tonight and Saturday, with the highest temperatures today near 95, the lowest Saturday morning about 75, and the highest Saturday afternoon about 98. Highest reading Thursday was 98 degrees in mid-afternoon, and the weather bureau’s forecast for occasional thundershowers failed to materialize.” (Alton Evening Telegraph, IL. “Temperature of 95 Forecast in Area for Today.” 8-8-1947, p. 1.)

Iowa

 

Aug 2: “Des Moines, Ia., Aug. 2–(UP)–A new heat wave moved into Iowa today [Saturday], and the weatherman said no relief was in sight for the weekend. Temperatures were expected to shoot to 100 in the state today, and continued hot weather was forecast for tomorrow.

 

“There also was no relief in sight from the near-drouth conditions which have prevailed in many sections of the state for the past 10 to 20 days. There was no significant amount of precipitation in the state last night, and no rain is in sight, except possible scattered thundershowers along the northern border tonight.

 

“Yesterday’s maximum reading was 93 at Council Bluffs, and highs of 100 were forecast for tomorrow. The low last night was 60 at Spencer and Mason City, but minimum readings tonight are expected to range between 70 and 75….” (United Press. “Hot Weather Back in Iowa.” Fairfield Daily Ledger, IA. 8-2-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 4: “Hundred-degree heat for the second straight day blistered Iowa City today — and the prospects early this afternoon [Monday] were that the mercury today will exceed even Sunday’s 102-degree scorcher. At 1:30 o’clock this afternoon the temperature stood at an official 100 degrees at the CAA[55] airport weather station, jumping two degrees from the 98 mark established at 12:30. The Iowa City forecast issued this morning predicted that a top of 104 would be reached here later this afternoon. Meanwhile the weatherman held out no hopes for immediate relief from the heat wave which now has extended four days. ‘Continued fair and hot today and tonight and Tuesday’ was the forecast, with a near-104 top again in sight for tomorrow.

 

“Little overnight relief could be expected, with a 75-to-80 degree low expected tonight. Early today the temperature in Iowa City dropped to 70 degrees, the low mark for the state.

 

“Today’s 98 noon reading was two degrees higher than that at the same time Sunday. But at 9:30 this morning the temperature already had climbed to the 90 mark.

 

“Sunday, the hottest day in Iowa City since July 25, 1940, when a high of 105 was recorded, saw the temperature soar rapidly from a 93-degree reading at 10:30 a.m. to 101 by 2:30 p.m. and on up to 102 for the two following hours. Sunday was the hottest August 3 since 1930 when the temperature set an all-time record of 107 for that day. Sunday was the second hottest August 3 in the 50 years of Iowa City weather records. The previous August 4 record was 100 degrees, also in 1930, a mark already equaled by this afternoon’s 1:30 report.

 

“The four-day heat wave that set in Friday and Saturday with marks in the high 90s could be compared with the record heat wave of July, 1936, when on successive days from July 12 through July 26 all-time marks of 106, 107, 109, 108 and 108 were established.

 

“The humidity in Iowa City today, according to the CAA station, was 51 per cent….

 

“The highest reading in Iowa Sunday was an unofficial 105 degrees at Bloomfield. This was followed closely by 104 at Sioux City, 103 at Newton and Oskaloosa, 102 at Fort Dodge, Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Burlington and Iowa City, 101 at Ames and Cedar Rapids, and 100 at Charles City, Mason City and Davenport.

 

“The Des Moines weather bureau reported to the Associated Press that of its stations throughout Iowa reporting maximum temperatures Sunday, the lowest high was 96 at Dubuque. It added that the minimum temperatures of this morning were ‘well above average’ with the lowest being the 70 degrees at Iowa City, Mason City and Cedar Rapids.

 

“No precipitation has been reported in the state in the last 24 hours and only prediction of any rain was the forecast for scattered thunder-showers in the northwest portion of the state tomorrow. Rain is now needed to aid pollination and filling of the ears of corn, much of which is entering the tasseling and silking stage at this time.” (Iowa City Press-Citizen, IA. “100-Degree Heat Will Continue.” 8-4-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 5-6: “Yesterday’s [5^th] high temperature was 101 degrees and it was 98 degrees at noon today. Last night’s low was 76. (By United Press). A faint breath of cool air moving across Iowa promised some relief from the heat wave in the middlewest today, but the weatherman said most of the nation would continue hot….” (Evening Journal, Washington, IA, and United Press. “See Some Relief From Heat Wave.” 8-6-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 5-6: “There was a slight break in Iowa’s current heat wave today [6^th] as cool air moved in from the northwest. Temperatures again soared into the 90s in some parts of the state this morning but the afternoon highs were not expected to approach the top of 102 reported Tuesday….

 

“Tuesday’s [5^th] high reading of 102 was reported at Council Bluffs. Other high marks included: 101–Des Moines, Burlington, Iowa City, Oskaloosa. 100–Fort Dodge, Sioux City, Ames, Charles City, Cedar Rapids, Mason City….” (Associated Press. “Heat Causes 3 Iowa Deaths.” Muscatine Journal, IA, 8-6-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 7: “No end to the simmering heat wave that has gripped Carroll county for a week was in sight today as the weatherman forecast fair and continued hot tonight and Saturday. The U.S. Weather Bureau predicted that the mercury would soar to a high of between 100 and 104 degrees Saturday. Today’s high was to be near the 100 mark.

 

“After hitting a high of 93 here yesterday the temperature dropped to 75 during the night. The city pump station thermometer stood at 89 at 11:30 o’clock today….The high in Iowa yesterday was 97 at Sioux City, but most points reported high-90 readings. The low last night was 60 at Iowa City.

 

“Two more deaths attributed to the heat wave were recorded yesterday, bringing the Iowa death toll to fine. The nation-wide heat wave has 112 heat victims.” (Daily Times Herald, Carroll, IA. “No Relief from Summer Heat; Crops Suffer.” 8-8-1947, p. 1.)

 

Kansas

 

Aug 2: “Topeka, Aug. 2–(AP)–Northeast Kansas experienced the state’s hottest night temperatures of the year last night and S.D. Flora, U.S. meteorologist, said that more torrid weather was in store for the weekend. The mercury at Concordia did not drop below 81 overnight and most northeast points had lows of 80. Flora predicted minimums tonight would be from 75 to 80 in the east and sough and 65 to 70 in the northwest with highs Sunday [3^rd] of from 100 to 106. He said there was no definite indication of an immediate break in th heat although some relief was possible Sunday night or Monday. In the meantime corn and pastures were deteriorating from the blazing sun, the tropical winds and lack of moisture.

 

“Phillipsburg had 106 Friday for the highest temperature reported in the state and Topeka’s 105 was a local record for Aug. 1. Goodland’s 65 was the lowest overnight reading reported.” (Associated Press. “Hot Weekend For Kansas.” Atchison Daily Globe, KS. 8-2-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 11: “The temperature boomed over the century mark Monday [11^th] for the fourth consecutive day, but the weatherman, an incurable optimist, again was circulating reports that some relief may be expected. Other masses of cool air have melted away in recent weeks when they reached Kansas, he agreed, but, he added, the breezes blowing into the state from the northwest would succeed in lowering temperatures slightly by Tuesday afternoon.

 

“The temperature here at 1:30 p.m. Monday was 102.8 degrees, according to the CAA weather station. The station’s thermometer recorded a blazing 106 Sunday for the highest temperature reported in the state.” (Hutchinson News Herald, KS. “Blazing Heat May Be Broken Tonight.” 8-11-1947, p. 1.)

Massachusetts

 

Aug 14: “Lowell–Record-shattering temperatures which came within two degrees of hitting the 100 mark and baked Lowell along with the rest of New England in the season’s latest and most severe heat wave, will continue without a let-up until tomorrow. Starting from an overnight minimum of 69 degrees yesterday the mercury zoomed to 98 to eclipse the ole record of 96½ established in 1944. A repeat performance is scheduled today with the heat off to a good start by mid-morning.

 

“The minimum overnight reading was 72 degrees, according to Locks and Canals officials this morning, three degrees higher than at the same time yesterday. By 8 a.m. the mercury had leaped five degrees to 77, two degrees higher than at the corresponding time yesterday.

 

“Unless there is a sudden shift in a gentle westerly wind, the record of 93 for this date, set in 1918, will be easily surpassed. The humidity, which entered the scene yesterday, also is expected to increase, thereby providing the sector with its worst conditions of the year. Little relief is in sight today, although showers are predicted for tomorrow.

 

“While the mercury soared to its all time high, city and suburban residents, eyeing their thermometers which in some instances had readings of from 100 to 115, formed a grand exodus to beaches, lakes, ponds and other cool spots, seeking at least temporary relief from the oppressive heat.

 

“Strangely enough, no heat prostration cases were recorded locally while 14 deaths were attributed to the heat wave in other nearby sections of the state and New England….

 

“Swimming spots, except where night bathing is strictly forbidden, were popular until long after midnight as bathers were reluctant to return to their sun-baked homes….” (Lowell Sun, MA. “Heat Wave Bakes Area; Relief Due Tomorrow.” 8-14, 1947, p. 1.)

 

Missouri

 

Aug 1: “The cool air which held temperatures down to the 80s and 90s across northern Missouri yesterday will disappear today [Friday] and by Saturday the whole state will be back in the 100s. The forecaster said there was nothing to indicate another break in the heat. South Missouri received a good baking yesterday with tops of 107 degrees at West Plains. Other high readings in Missouri– Clinton and Joplin 103, Springfield 100, Kirksville, in northern Missouri, enjoyed 86-degree weather, by contrast.” (Associated Press. “Get Ready for More Hundred Degree Heat, Warns Forecaster.” Daily Capital News, Jefferson City, MO, 8-1-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 1-2: “Intense heat of the last six days relaxed somewhat today after Joplin and the district had sweltered through the hottest night of the year, the mercury climbing to 96 degrees at 3 p.m., as compared with 100-degree readings at that hour Wednesday and Thursday and 99 Friday. The weatherman predicted top readings of 106 to 108 degrees in southwest Missouri for the weekend, but a breeze today helped to bring some relief and possibly to halt the climb of the thermometer.

 

“For the first time since the heat wave set in, the temperature failed to drop back last night into the 70s. It was 85 at midnight and the low, at 6 o’clock this morning was a humid 80 degrees.

 

“Yesterday’s high was 100 degrees, as compared with tops of 102 degrees the two preceding days. The high has varied between 97 and 102 since Sunday.

 

“The mercury climbed rapidly this morning to reach 94 at 1 p.m. A year ago today the temperature ranged between 79 and 95 degrees.” (Joplin News Herald, MO. “Heat Relents Slightly; Top 96 at 3 P.M.” 8-2-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 3: “Stated briefly the forecast for today in Missouri is ‘more of the same.’ The weather bureau said there is no prospect for a break in the heat which is blanketing Missouri. Temperatures today will soar to 100 and above, again. Joplin, Mo., was the hottest in the area yesterday, with 107 degrees, followed by 104 at St. Joseph, 103 at West Plains, 102 at Clinton and Kansas City.” (Associated Press. “More of the Same.” News and Tribune, Jefferson City, MO, 8-3-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 5: “St. Louis, Aug. 5 (AP)–Three new deaths were attributed today to the heat in St. Louis, and at least four other persons were overcome. Water pressure dropped sharply and some homes were without water late yesterday as the city’s residents sued 219,288,000 gallons, a new record. Yesterday was the hottest day of the year with a reading of 101.4 at 5:30 p.m. (C.D.T.), the third successive day of 100-degree heat. The weather bureau predicted some relief for tomorrow.” (Associated Press. “St. Louis Reports Three New Deaths From Heat Wave,” Moberly Monitor-Index and Democrat, MO. 8-5-1947, p. 4.)

 

Aug 6, Joplin: “Partly cloudy skies that obscured the sun for a brief interlude early this afternoon lowered temperatures one degree between 1 and 2 o’clock. The relief, however, was short-lived. By 3 o’clock it was 98. The cloudy spell seemed only to have intensified the heat. The mercury rose from an overnight low of 80 degrees to reach the 90’s before noon. Forecasters predicted overcast skies tonight, but held out no hope of rain in the immediate future….” (Joplin News Herald, MO. “Temperature Climbs to 98-Degree Mark,” 8-6-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 9, Joplin: “Yesterday [9^th] was the hottest day in Joplin in eight years, the mercury climbing to a torrid 105 degrees, and the weather man predicted high temperatures between 100 and 106 for the Tri-State area today. Joplin and the district sweltered under the punishing heat, but only one heat prostration had been reported last night. It was at Webb City. Until yesterday, the thermometer in downtown Joplin hadn’t hit 105 since September 3, 1939, when it rose to 105 from a low of 82. The day before that, it reached 104.

 

“The previous high recording in Joplin this year was 102 degrees, the mercury reaching that mark Friday and July 30 and 31. Maximum reading at the municipal airport was 104 degrees, while the temperature at street level in the city was 106, according to the Gas Service Company thermometer. It was the thirteenth consecutive day the maximum thermometer reading has been above 95-degree mark. Since August 1, the mercury hasn’t been under 77 degrees and the maximum has ranged from 96 degrees upward…” (Joplin Globe, MO. “Mercury Soars to 8-year High of 105 in City.” 8-10-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 10: “….St. Louis experienced a different sort of crisis.  The cold air that refreshed most of the country this week failed to lower temperatures in the south.

 

“St. Louis City officials said that bodies of heat wave victims were taxing facilities at the morgue.  They feared even more heat fatalities would be brought in today.  To date, 57 hot weather deaths have been reported in the city since July 30.  Nineteen died of heat prostration yesterday.  City officials said nearly every sudden death in the city was due to the heat….”  (Mexia Daily News, TX. “Worst Drought in Ten Years Grips Corn Belt.” 8-10-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 14: “Kansas City, Aug. 14. (AP)–Cloudy skies, showers and thunderstorms have taken the edge off the 18-day heat wave in Missouri. Precipitation ranging from a trace at scattered points to 2.74 inches at Independence were reported today and forecasts called for more showers and thunderstorms. The weather bureau predicted highs of between 80 to 85 in the west and north and in the nineties in the southeast. Lexington followed Independence with 1.73 inches of rain, while Clinton had 1.06. Joplin reported nearly an inch….

 

“St. Louis had .20, the first rainfall in the city in 19 days. The temperature dropped 11 degrees in 30 minutes but climbed back to 89 degrees an hour later. One heat death was reported yesterday in St. Louis, bringing the total for the recent hot spell to 65.” (AP. “Cloudy Skies, Showers Take Edge Off Missouri’s 18-Day Heat Wave.” Moberly Monitor-Index, MO. 8-14-1947, p. 1.)

 

Montana

 

Aug 4: “….Helena, Aug 4.–(AP)–The weatherman assumed the role of a quick change artist Monday [4^th] when temperatures climbed to near record highs in eastern Montana, then dived as much as 31 degrees in three and one-half hours. At Miles City, where residents sweltered under 105-degree heat early Monday afternoon, a mild cold front, accompanied by rain, sent temperatures down to 74 degrees by 4:30 p.m. Glasgow’s temperature slipped down rapidly from a maximum of 101 degrees to 77 late Monday afternoon. Broadus, where the maximum was 97, was the only other point in the state where the high temperatures exceeded 90 degrees.” (AP. “Most of Nation Swelters in Heat Wave.” Montana Standard, Butte, 8-5-1947, p. 1.)

 

New York

 

Aug 11: “Buffalo — Prospects of another record-breaking high temperature loomed today as Buffalonians sweltered in another heat wave. The U.S. Weather Bureau here predicted the mercury would hover around the ninety degree mark and might pass the record for the date, ninety-one, this afternoon.” (Times Herald, Olean, NY. “Expect Heat Record.” 8-11-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 15: “Albany, (AP)–Relief was in sight for heat-plagued New Yorkers today, as thundershowers were predicted throughout the state. The Weather Bureau said showers late in the day and night would snap the week-long siege in which the mercury reached 90 degrees and above generally through the state. The forecast for tomorrow is ‘fair and cooler.’ Scattered thundershowers sent temperatures down last night after they had remained in the 90’s most of the day. The mercury hit 97 at Albany, a record for the date. Buffalo’s 93 was a record, the sixth in nine days. The death of one man in Syracuse was attributed to the heat.” (Associated Press. “Thundershowers Seen for All State.” Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY, 8-15-1947, p. 1.)

 

Ohio

 

Aug 4: “Broiling temperatures that already were held responsible for one Ohio death continued today, second day of the state’s most severe 1947 heat wave. Dead from a heart condition that Coroner Herbert P. Lyle said was aggravated by yesterday’s 96-degree Cincinnati heat was Richard A. Martin, 71-year-old retired street-car operator.

 

“East Liverpool firemen reported the death by drowning of seven-year-old Carl Carnes who had been swimming in the Ohio River.

 

“At a delayed Army Air Forces Day Air Show at Dayton’s Wright Field 462 persons received treatment for heat prostration after braving 90-plus temperatures to watch the exhibition. Eight ambulances ran a shuttle service to a field air station.

 

“Cleveland sweltered in 93 degrees while Columbus’ peak was 92, but Port Columbus weather observers predicted the state capital would roast today in 96-degrees or better.

 

“Persons sought beaches and resorts to escape the breathless heat of cities. Buckeye Lake, mid-Ohio’s ranking resort, was jammed with 50,000 picnickers.” (AP. “Ohio Reports Fatality As Temperature Rises To High for Summer.” Athens Messenger, OH, 8-4-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 5: “Ohio continued today to broil (bake, fry, stew, simmer, etc.) in the heat wave encompassing the nation from the Rockies to the Appalachians. Maximum temperature recorded at Defiance filtration plant Monday was 94, compared with 96 at Findlay, Cincinnati and Wilmington, 93 at Dayton, Toledo and Zanesville.

 

“The weatherman said there was a vague chance of some relief from sweltering conditions by Wednesday night or Thursday, depending on the movement of cooler air from northwestern Canada. ‘This cooler air movement is rather slow,’ Meteorologist C. G. Andrus explained. ‘If its path is more eastward than southward, then we can’t expect much benefit from it.’ Drying of the soil by 95 degree heat the last several days also was cancelling the possibility of cooling thunder-showers, according to Andrus. ‘With no moisture for the sun to take up, we can’t expect the boiling up type of thunder-showers that generally are evident during heat waves.’

 

“Meanwhile, the hot weather was accounting for numerous cases of heat prostration over the state. Cincinnati reported five persons overcome and there were at least three who toppled over from the heat in Columbus Monday.

 

“Andrus said that the mercury would hit equally high marks today in the south and central portions and reach the 95 mark along Lake Erie where Monday an occasional north wind kept the mercury down to 92 degrees at Cleveland. The variable winds blowing across the lake were a boon to Perry, the only place where the mercury failed to hit into the 90’s. The high there was a comfortable 84 degrees….Andrus said that the dewpoint (humidity) was on the increase today and would range in the 70’s Wednesday to make the heat that much more uncomfortable….” (INS. “Slow Moving Cool Air May Provide Relief From Heat Wednesday Night.” Defiance Crescent-News, OH, 8-5-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 6: “Just sit back and relax, ‘cause it’s going to be another hot day and most of tomorrow will be warm, too. However, the weather man promised that about tomorrow evening, a cool breeze would arrive from the West to end the summer’s first real heat wave. He said there’d be a few clouds, but mostly it would be about as hot as yesterday, which was hot enough for most Ohioans. There were a few areas yesterday that reported temporary relief when thunderstorms spilled rain on scattered areas, momentarily cooling things….

 

“Maximums yesterday at Ohio points included: Columbus 96, Cincinnati 95.3, Toledo 93, Dayton 95, Akron and Cleveland 94, and 91 at Youngstown….

 

“First death in Youngstown attributed to the continued heat wave was recorded today. Sanford Arriel, 63, stricken at his home, was dead upon arrival at a hospital. Mahoning County Coroner David A. Belinky said sunstroke was responsible.” (Associated Press. “End to Heat Wave Forecast Thursday.” Athens Messenger, OH, 8-6-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 7: “Temperatures boiled to the 94-degree mark as summer’s first heat wave smothered Zanesville again this afternoon….

 

“Sounding its most encouraging note, the weather bureau announced that ‘the heat wave definitely is broken at Chicago and all points north and west and is being broken eastward.’

 

“Death toll from four days of near 100-degree temperatures had risen to at least 60 all over the nation….

 

“By The Associated Press….the heat wave, first of the half-gone summer in Ohio, was accompanied by a mounting death toll. Lightning killed three persons yesterday. Sunstroke killed a fourth, and five other persons drowned….Sanford Arriel, 63, died in Youngstown of sunstroke.” (Zanesville Signal, OH. “Temperature at 94 as Heat Wave Continues.” 8-7-1947, 1.)

 

Aug 8: “The backbone of the heat wave appeared to be bent, altho not broken, Friday [8^th] as a cooling breeze filtered in from the north to put a welcome dent in the six-day-long siege. The moderately cool air and thundershower activity in surrounding areas brought relief, at least temporarily, from the scorching temperatures, dropping the mercury back to reasonably comfortable temperatures.

 

“After a reading of 90 early Thursday afternoon, thermometers in downtown Lima dipped into the 60’s before starting their return climb Friday morning. The Lima News thermometer stood at 90 at noon, while at Rock Hill weather station it was 87. The weatherman, bless his heart, said the air would be ‘moderately warm and less humid’ Friday, with increasing cloudiness Saturday, but nor much change in temperature….” (Lima News, OH. “Dent Appears in Local Heat Wave Siege.” 8-8-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 13, Zanesville: “Zanesville’s hot and sticky folk sweated out the 12^th day of the summer’s initial heat wave yesterday [13^th], praying for relief while the thermometer climbed to a torrid 93. Slight relief was furnished last night by a brief shower of rain, but at midnight the mercury still stood in the high seventies.

 

“Partly cloudy skies and scattered thundershowers are promised for today, with cooler weather forecast by tonight. It is expected to grow warmer again Friday [15^th] and Saturday, but the weather bureau believes temperatures will not reach such extremes as in the past several days. A cool air mass from Canada and the Dakotas is spreading eastward, forecasters said, accompanied by some rain, but not enough to bring lasting benefit to the thirsting corn and garden crops.

 

“In Zanesville yesterday Service Director O. J. Hartmeyer asked residents to be sparing in use of water, while in other cities of the state residents set a new record for amount of water drawn. In Columbus the city waterworks hit its theoretical capacity of 55,420,000 gallons daily, and in some sections of the city an unsafe pressure was registered at fireplugs and houses on higher ground had no water at all. Toledo, Youngstown, Dayton and Cincinnati, also reported water consumption at a new record.

 

“Two heat deaths were reported in Cleveland where yesterday’s temperature reached 92. They were George York, 60 who collapsed in a café, and Lawrence J. Bause, 62, who died as he prepared to go on a fishing trip.” (Times Recorder, Zanesville, OH. “Another Warm Day In Prospect.” 8-14-1947, p. 1.)

 

Pennsylvania

 

Aug 5: “Pittsburgh. Today–(AP)–This industrial city felt like a gigantic Turkish bath today as heat and humidity raced neck-and neck to make residents uncomfortable. The U.S. Weather Bureau forecast called for a 93-degree high today and 97 degrees tomorrow. The mercury stopped a few degrees short of 90 yesterday because of thundershowers. At mid-morning today the temperature read 77 degrees in a steady rise and the humidity reading was 79 per cent with a higher point expected before day’s end.” (Associated Press. “Pittsburgh Swelters in Heat and Humidity.” Lebanon Daily News, PA, 8-5-1947, p. 12.)

 

Aug 6: “At noon today, while Huntingdon thermometers were reading 70, the U.S. Weather Bureau at Pittsburgh said that western Pennsylvania residents will continue to swelter in excessive heat today and tomorrow. The temperature was expected to go to 92 degrees this afternoon and climb to 93 tomorrow.

 

“The maximum reading in Huntingdon on Wednesday was 78. Low hanging clouds and spot showers kept the area cooler than was expected yesterday, but the mercury hit 87 degrees despite the cloud shade. The official forecast calls for ‘fair and slightly warmer today and tonight.’….Some relief is expected by Friday when the promised cool air from Canada now in the mid-western states is due to arrive here, the Weather Bureau reports.

 

“Three deaths were attributed to the heat wave. One was a case of heat exhaustion, and the other two were drownings. A Cuddy, Pa., gardener Charles Mencarelli, 67, collapsed and died in Mt. Lebanon from heat exhaustion. Two children were reported drowned while swimming to escape the heat, one at a pool near Butler, Pa., and the other at a swimming pond in Plum Creek near Blairsville.

 

“The weather man promised temporary relief from the long heat wave shimmering over most of the nation today, but warned that another hot spell would arrive Friday [8^th]….” (Daily News, Huntingdon, PA. “Weatherman Says Heat Wave Will Continue.” 8-6-1947, p. 5.)

 

Aug 11: “Pittsburgh, Aug 11–(AP)–The week old torrid wave took a fresh grip on the Pittsburgh district today with no early relief in sight. A top temperature of 90 was predicted for today and 93 for tomorrow. Skies will be clear, the Weather Bureau said. The high mark downtown yesterday was 88. The heat and drought have scorched lawns and dried up gardens.” (Associated Press. “Pittsburgh Boils in New Heat Wave.” Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana, PA. 8-11-1947, p. 7.)

 

Aug 12, Charleroi: “The summer’s longest heat wave continued to parboil Charleroi and Western Pennsylvania in a steady, undiminishing torrid spell with the mercury soaring high into the nineties for the second straight day. After reaching a top of 95 degrees here yesterday, the scorcher was made worse when humidity today went to 88, intensifying the suffering.

 

“Warm weather has been sustained for eight days but the past two days were the worst. There is an even chance that relief will come tomorrow for the weather man promises thundershowers during the afternoon. Tonight you’d better head for the open country for it’s going to be hot and ‘close.’….” (Charleroi Mail, PA. “Mercury Goes Above Ninety Again Today.” 8-12-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 14: “With the humidity six per cent higher this afternoon than at the same time Wednesday, Delaware Countians sweltered through on of the most uncomfortable days of the summer. The temperature had climbed to 88 at 1 p.m. while the humidity reading was 69 per cent. Wednesday, the temperature was 88 and the humidity 63 per cent….

 

“Chester had one heat prostration victim Wednesday, as the mercury climbed to 92 degrees in the afternoon accompanied by oppressive and sticky humidity. Today hot off to a similar hot and humid start, and the weatherman could see no relief in the near future. Even scattered thundershowers expected tomorrow will only cut the heat but not the humidity.

 

“The heat victim was 65-year-old John Dougherty, 233 East Fifth street. He was taken to Chester Hospital at 3:54 p.m. after he was overcome by the heat and fell. He hit the left side of his head in the fall.

 

“While Wednesday’s highest temperature was three degrees below the summer’s record set on July 31, the day was one of the most enervating of the summer….The temperature is expected to reach at least 90 today, drop to 73 over the night, and climb to 87 on Friday…” (Chester Times, PA. “Chester Man Is Heat Victim As Mercury Hits 92.” 8-14-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 15: “This summer’s longest and most severe heat wave entered its fourth day today, but the weatherman said showers would bring slight relief by nightfall. Lancaster got the distinction of being the hottest place in the State with a reading of 96 degrees. But Lebanon, which registered 95 to equal the high for the year, was a close second. Thursday’s minimum was 68–a reduction from Wednesday’s 71.

 

“Hundreds sought relief from the intense heat, by flocking to swimming pools, lakes and dams. An unidentified eight-year-old boy was rescued from drowning yesterday in the pool at Sprink Lake Park, north of Schaefferstown on the road to Brickerville. Front porches, park benches and other outdoor spots were crowded with steaming humanity far into the night as thousands stayed up until their eyes drooped before going to bed in roasting bed rooms.

 

“The Weather Bureau predicted only slight relief today from the heat wave which has kept most of eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware sweltering….” (Lebanon Daily News, PA. “Heat Wave in Fourth Day; Mercury At 95.” 8-15-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 16: “Lancaster, Pa. –(UP)– The heatwave made Eden, a small Lancaster county community near here anything but a paradise. Local amateur weather observers yesterday recorded a sizzling 98 degrees in the shade and 118 degrees in the sun. Other county hot spots were Heller’s–96; Farniss — 90 degrees; Oak Shade — 90 degrees; Paradise — 94 degrees.” (United Press. “Eden Is No Paradise in 98 Degree Heat Wave.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, Dunkirk, NY. 8-16-1947, p. 1.)

 

South Dakota

 

Aug 2: “A new heat record for 1947 in Huron was established Saturday [Aug 2], when the temperature zoomed up to a new high of 102 at 3:30 p.m. That was just one degree hotter, however, than the previous high of 101, set on July 29. Huron can brace itself for another scorcher today, according to the forecast, which read: ‘Fair, continued hot. High temperatures for Sunday near 100.’….” (Daily Plainsman, Huron, SD. “Sure, It Was Hot — Reached 102 Saturday.” 8-3-1947, p. 1.)

 

Tennessee

 

Aug 5: “With a heat wave overspreading the nation, people of Kingsport can expect to share in the continued torrid spell today. Despite the fact rain threatened all during Monday afternoon [4^th], no precipitation resulted and the weather remained hot and humid. At times a stiff wind sprang up, but this relieved downtown shoppers little.

 

“A high of 90 degrees was recorded at the city filter plant. At midnight an unusually high temperature for that time was recorded as the thermometer showed a reading of 71. The mercury fell no lower than 66 degrees all through the day. The weather outlook for Southwest Virginia is practically the same, with the exception that considerable cloudiness is expected to prevail.” (Kingsport News, TN. “Heat To Stay On Today; 90 High Set Here.” 8-5-1947, p. 1.)

 

Texas

 

Aug 9: “Continued high temperatures was the weather bureaus polite term for the sweltering, fry-an-Texas this weekend. Furthermore the weather bureau said, not one whiff of a cool front that would break the heat wave had even started looking toward Texas yet.

 

“After heat records were broken over the state yesterday [8^th], temperatures of 104-106 degrees were forecast for North Texas again today and tomorrow. Central Texas should be not quite so hot and the coast a little farther down on the temperature readings. Brownsville received a small shower yesterday, the only place in Texas reporting any amount of rain.

 

“Henrietta led the heat parade with 110 degrees. Clarksville had 108 and Dallas and Hillsboro 107, Texarkana, Childress and Lufkin reported 105, Fort Worth, Beaumont and Wichita Falls 104; Houston, Fredericksburg, Corsicana, Palestine and Waco 103; Abilene, Austin and Wink 101.

 

“A Negro construction worker at Houston, Elbert Wilburn, 52, died of heat prostration after collapsing while at work.” (Associated Press. “No Relief From Texas Heat Seen.” Abilene Reporter News, TX. 8-9-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 10: “Forest and pasture fires swept sections of Texas today as a heat wave, which contributed to the fire danger, jumped to the 111 degree mark in at least one place. A forest fire was burning eastward from Elysian Fields, Tex., Saturday night. Starting Friday night, it already had destroyed a farm dwelling. Another forest fire burned 200 acres north of Marshall Saturday afternoon, endangering a suburban residential area. The commissioners’ court, of Harrison county, where the fires took place declared the fire situation an emergency. A pasture fire in the Wichita Falls-Iowa Park-Electra area had burned 1,600 acres by Saturday night and still was burning. Fire fighters hoped that a fire break, provided by the Fort Worth and Denver right of way, would stop the blaze. The fire was approximately a mile from the fire break Saturday night. It started Friday on the Jeff and John Waggoner ranch 12 miles southwest of Iowa Park and Saturday spread to the Tom Burnett ranch…

 

“The 111-degree mark, hottest reported in the state, was set at Kilgore. Most of Texas sweltered in temperatures 100 degrees or above. Abilene chalked up a seasonal high of 104….Kilgore reported 111 degrees, officially. Longview had a 109.5 degree recording at 2:45 p.m. Dallas reported 109 degrees, only one degree below the all-time record set in 1936. Jacksonville broke a 15-year record with 108; Electra had a new high for the year at 107.3; Bonham reported 108. Beaumont, with 106, had the hottest day ever recorded there by the weather bureau, which was established in 1920. At the airport, the official reading was 100 degrees, which dropped to 78 degrees as a shower fell. Denison reported 106, the season’s highest. Marshall recorded 108 degrees, the hottest in 14 years.

 

Temperatures at reporting stations where were 100 degrees or above included: Kilgore 111, Temple and Greenville 110, Longview 109.5, Dallas and Paris 109, Jacksonville, Marshall, Bonham and Lufkin 108; Electra 107.3, Tyler and Fredericksburg 107, Beaumont, Texarkana and Denison 106; Fort Worth, Wichita Falls, Presidio and Waco 105; Childress and Palestine 104, Austin and Houston 103; San Antonio, Junction and Brady 101.” (Associated Press. “Heat Marks Tumble in State; Blaze Threatens Etex Homes.” Abilene Reporter-News, 8-10-1947, p. 1.)

 

Aug 11: “A 48-day dry spell was broken here around 2 a.m. Monday [11^th] when .23 inch of rain fell to break an accompanying heat wave which Saturday set a new high of 107 for the year and Sunday topped it with a 108. A temperature drop of 35 degrees in about 12 hours was recorded during the weather man’s sudden about face and Dentonites Monday were going about with air-conditioned smiles on their faces….Weather highs and lows for the past two days were: Saturday, 107 and 77; Sunday, 108 and 73….” (Denton Record-Chronicle, TX. “Rain Breaks 48-Day Drouth Here After High of 108 Degrees.” 8-11-1947, p. 1.)

 

Utah

 

Aug 3: “A good thermometer never says die–and the official gauge at Salt Lake airport weather station is one of the best. Recovering from a slight setback suffered Saturday afternoon when a heavy thundershower cooled its bulb, the official mercury was hard at it again Sunday [Aug 3], rising above 90 for the 18^th consecutive day, with an impressive high of 94. Weathermen wondered if their pet gadget was in a rut. ‘We’ve seen it like this before,’ they explained, ‘but it’s beginning to worry us a little. What if that red stuff won’t come down this winter?’ The sky sleuths got little consolation from Monday’s prediction. Sunday’s high will be bettered if the forecaster’s prediction materializes. The rest of the Beehive state will suffer with the capital city, weather charts show. High Monday afternoon will be between 99 and 100, with Dixie getting 105.” (Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “`Heat Meter’ Reads 94.” 8-4-1947, p. 11.)

 

Wisconsin

 

OnMilwaukee.com: “In the midst of a heat bubble 64 years ago just like the one squatting on us lately, inmates at a Catholic home for “wayward girls” in Wauwatosa rose up off their callused knees and went over the wall.  Newspaper headlines called it a “riot,” but the Mother Superior at the Good Shepherd Home on North 88th Street and West Bluemound Road put it down to “The desire for freedom intensified by the heat.” Temperatures in the area had reached the high 90s for three days running in the first week of August, causing businesses to shut down, sending scores to hospitals suffering from heat prostration, and ultimately killing five Milwaukee residents….

 

“There were 96 inmates there on Aug. 4, 1947, when the temperature would hit 99 at the airport — the hottest Milwaukee day in seven years….” (OnMilwaukee.com. “1947 heat wave caused Catholic school girls to ‘go wild’.”  7-21-2011.)

 

Sources

 

Alton Evening Telegraph, IL. “Temperature of 95 Forecast in Area for Today.” 8-8-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-24-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/alton-evening-telegraph-aug-08-1947-p-1/

 

Alton Evening Telegraph, IL. “Temperature to Top 100 Third Day in a Row.” 8-4-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/alton-evening-telegraph-aug-04-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “102 at Kokomo.” Logansport Press, IN. 8-6-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-press-aug-06-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Blame Heat in Davenport Death.” Boone News-Republican, IA, 8-6-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/boone-news-republican-aug-06-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Break in Heat Wave Forecast Tomorrow.” Moberly Monitor-Index, MO. 8-13-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/moberly-monitor-index-aug-13-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Cloudy Skies, Showers Take Edge Off Missouri’s 18-Day Heat Wave.” Moberly Monitor-Index, MO. 8-14-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/moberly-monitor-index-aug-14-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Corn Suffers, Fires Rage As Heat Wave Holds Force.” Daily Times-News, Burlington, IA, 8-11-1947, 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/iowa-burlington-burlington-daily-times-news-aug-11-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Death Caused By Extreme Heat.” Estherville Daily News, IA. 8-7-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/estherville-daily-news-aug-06-1947-p-5/

 

Associated Press. “East Swelters In Near Record Heat.” Joplin Globe, MO, 8-16-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-globe-aug-16-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “End to Heat Wave Forecast Thursday.” Athens Messenger, OH, 8-6-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-24-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/athens-messenger-aug-06-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Fair, Dry and Warm in Iowa For 5 Days.” Estherville Daily News, IA, 8-8-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/estherville-daily-news-aug-08-1947-p-4/

 

Associated Press. “Get Ready for More Hundred Degree Heat, Warns Forecaster.” Daily Capital News, Jefferson City, MO, 8-1-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-22-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jefferson-city-daily-capital-news-aug-01-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Heat Causes 3 Iowa Deaths.” Muscatine Journal, IA, 8-6-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/muscatine-journal-and-news-tribune-aug-06-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Heat Marks Tumble in State; Blaze Threatens Etex Homes.” Abilene Reporter-News, 8-10-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-29-2019

 

Associated Press. “Heat Offensive Is Broken Up In Mid-West.” Titusville Herald, PA, 8-14-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/titusville-herald-aug-14-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Heat Relief Hopes In South Ohio Fade.” Athens Messenger, OH, 8-8-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/athens-messenger-aug-08-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Heat Scorches Big Midsection of U.S.” Joplin Globe, MO, 8-5-1947, p. 5.

Accessed 5-22-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-globe-aug-05-1947-p-5/

 

Associated Press. “Heat Toll: 22.” Mexico Evening Ledger, MO, 8-7-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/mexico-evening-ledger-aug-07-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Heat Toll in St. Louis Area Climbs to 50.” Moberly Monitor-Index, MO, 8-8-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/moberly-monitor-index-aug-08-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Heat Toll Rises.” Kansas City Star, MO, 8-6-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kansas-city-star-aug-06-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Heat Wave Claims Its 2^nd Victim In State.” Kingsport News, TN, 8-7-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kingsport-news-aug-07-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Heat Wave Hangs On; 19 Are Dead.” Joplin News Herald, MO. 8-6-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-news-herald-aug-06-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Hot Weekend For Kansas.” Atchison Daily Globe, KS. 8-2-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/atchison-daily-globe-aug-02-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Immediate Respite from Heat in This Area Not in Sight.” Dixon Evening Telegraph, IL, 8-6-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dixon-evening-telegraph-aug-06-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Midwest Has Little Chance To Get Rain.” Joplin News Herald, MO, 8-11-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-news-herald-aug-11-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “More of the Same.” News and Tribune, Jefferson City, MO, 8-3-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-22-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jefferson-city-news-and-tribune-aug-03-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Most of Nation Swelters in Heat Wave.” Montana Standard, Butte, 8-5-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/montana-standard-aug-05-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “New Heat Wave Starts Moving.” Republican Courier, Findlay, OH, 8-9-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/findlay-republican-courier-aug-09-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “No Relief From Texas Heat Seen.” Abilene Reporter News, TX. 8-9-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/abilene-reporter-news-aug-09-1947-p-11/

 

Associated Press. “Ohio Heat Wave Appears Broken.” Republican-Courier, Findlay, OH, 8-9-1947, p. 7. Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/findlay-republican-courier-aug-09-1947-p-7/

 

Associated Press. “Ohio Reports Fatality As Temperature Rises To High for Summer.” Athens Messenger, OH, 8-4-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-24-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/athens-messenger-aug-04-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Pittsburgh Boils in New Heat Wave.” Indiana Evening Gazette, PA. 8-11-1947, p. 7. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/indiana-evening-gazette-aug-11-1947-p-7/

 

Associated Press. “Pittsburgh Swelters in Heat and Humidity.” Lebanon Daily News, PA, 8-5-1947, p. 12. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lebanon-daily-news-aug-05-1947-p-14/

 

Associated Press. “Scattered Rain Over Arkansas,” Camden News, AR. 8-12-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/camden-news-aug-12-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Sizzling Heat Is Blanketing Nation.” News and Tribune, Jefferson City, MO, 8-3-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-22-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jefferson-city-news-and-tribune-aug-03-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “St. Louis Death Toll Due to Heat Now at 57.” Daily Capital News, Jefferson City, MO, 8-9-1947, 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/daily-capital-news-aug-09-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “St. Louis Reports Three New Deaths From Heat Wave,” Moberly Monitor-Index and Democrat, MO. 8-5-1947, p. 4. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/moberly-monitor-index-aug-05-1947-p-4/

 

Associated Press. “Temperature of 95 Forecast in Area for Today.” Alton Evening Telegraph, 8-8-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/alton-evening-telegraph-aug-08-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Thundershowers Seen for All State.” Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY, 8-15-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/canandaigua-daily-messenger-aug-15-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Tropical Storm May Hit Texas Coastal Area; Rain General.” Corsicana Daily Sun, TX. 8-12-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-2902019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/corsicana-daily-sun-aug-12-1947-p-1/

 

Associated Press. “Worker Dies of Heat Prostration.” Somerset American, PA. 8-6-1947, p. 6. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/somerset-daily-american-aug-06-1947-p-6/

 

Blytheville Courier News, AR. “News About Weather Still Hot For Missco and Rest of State.” 8-7-1917, p. 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/blytheville-courier-news-aug-07-1947-p-1/

 

Blytheville Courier News, AR. “Scorching 103 Recording Here; Death Toll in State Reaches Six.” 8-4-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/blytheville-courier-news-aug-04-1947-p-1/

 

Blytheville Courier News, AR. “State Gets Relief from Torrid Heat Wave of Past Two Weeks.” 8-12-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: http://newspaperarchive.com

 

Charleroi Mail, PA. “Mercury Goes Above Ninety Again Today.” 8-12-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/charleroi-mail-aug-12-1947-p-1/

 

Chester Times, PA. “Chester Man Is Heat Victim As Mercury Hits 92.” 8-14-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/chester-times-aug-14-1947-p-1/

 

Circleville Herald, OH. “Ohio Counts 14 Dead In Record Heat Wave.” 8-7-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-24-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/circleville-herald-aug-07-1947-p-1/

 

Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Heat Wave Death Toll Numbers 69.” 8-7-1947, 1. Accessed at:  http://newspaperarchive.com/cumberland-evening-times/1947-08-07/page-1/

 

Daily News, Huntingdon, PA. “Weatherman Says Heat Wave Will Continue.” 8-6-1947, p. 5. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/huntingdon-daily-news-aug-06-1947-p-5/

 

Daily Plainsman, Huron, SD. “Sure, It Was Hot — Reached 102 Saturday.” 8-3-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/huron-huronite-and-daily-plainsman-aug-03-1947-p-1/

 

Daily Sikeston Standard, MO. “Illmo Child Dies of Heat Prostration.” 8-5-1947, p. 9. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sikeston-daily-standard-aug-05-1947-p-9/

 

Daily Times Herald, Carroll, IA. “No Relief from Summer Heat; Crops Suffer.” 8-8-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/carroll-daily-times-herald-aug-08-1947-p-1/

 

Decatur Daily, AL. “Decatur, Too ‘Plenty Hot’.”  8-6-1947, p. 2. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/decatur-daily-aug-06-1947-p-2/

 

Decatur Daily, AL. “Mercury Up After Rains.” 8-7-1947, p. 2. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/decatur-daily-aug-07-1947-p-2/

 

Decatur Daily, AL. “Three Deaths.” 8-6-1947, p. 2. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/decatur-daily-aug-06-1947-p-2/

 

Denton Record-Chronicle, TX. “Rain Breaks 48-Day Drouth Here After High of 108 Degrees.” 8-11-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/denton-record-chronicle-aug-11-1947-p-9/

 

Evening Journal, Washington, IA, and United Press. “See Some Relief From Heat Wave.” 8-6-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/washington-evening-journal-aug-06-1947-p-1/

 

Harrisburg Daily Register, IL. “Heat Causes One Death, Four Cases of Prostration.” 8-6-1947, p. 2. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/harrisburg-daily-register-aug-06-1947-p-2/

 

Hope Star, AR. “39 Dead from Year’s Worst Heat Wave.” 9-6-1947, p. 4. Accessed at:  http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=124690321

 

Hutchinson News Herald, KS. “Blazing Heat May Be Broken Tonight.” 8-11-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hutchinson-news-herald-aug-11-1947-p-1/

 

International News Service. “Heat Kills Golfer.” Times Record, Troy, NY, 8-9-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/troy-times-record-aug-09-1947-p-1/

 

International News Service. “Hot and Cool Air Fight For Area Mastery.” Circleville Herald, OH, 8-16-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/circleville-herald-aug-16-1947-p-1/

 

International News Service. “Slow Moving Cool Air May Provide Relief From Heat Wednesday Night.” Defiance Crescent-News, OH, 8-5-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-24-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/defiance-crescent-news-aug-05-1947-p-1/

 

Iowa City Press-Citizen, IA. “100-Degree Heat Will Continue.” 8-4-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/iowa-city-press-citizen-aug-04-1947-p-1/

 

Ironwood Daily Globe, MI. “Heat Death Toll for Nation 69…” 8-7-1947, 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/ironwood-daily-globe/1947-08-07/page-1/

 

Joplin Globe, MO. “Heat Wave Death Toll Reaches 20.” 8-6-1947, p. 1. Accessed at:  http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=3476582

 

Joplin Globe, MO. “Long Heat Wave Partly Broken with 135 Dead.” 8-8-1947, p. 1. Accessed at:  http://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-globe/1947-08-08/page-1/

 

Joplin Globe, MO. “Mercury Soars to 8-year High of 105 in City.” 8-10-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-sunday-globe-aug-10-1947-p-1/

 

Joplin News Herald, MO. “Heat Relents Slightly; Top 96 at 3 P.M.” 8-2-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-22-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-news-herald-aug-02-1947-p-1/

 

Joplin News Herald, MO. “Temperature Climbs to 98-Degree Mark,” 8-6-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-news-herald-aug-06-1947-p-1/

 

Kenosha Evening News, WI. “Kenosha is Hottest Spot as State Fries; Predict Heat Break.” 8-6-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kenosha-evening-news-aug-06-1947-p-1/

 

Kingsport News, TN. “Heat To Stay On Today; 90 High Set Here.” 8-5-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kingsport-news-aug-05-1947-p-1/

 

Lebanon Daily News, PA. “Heat Wave in Fourth Day; Mercury At 95.” 8-15-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lebanon-daily-news-aug-15-1947-p-1/

 

Lima News, OH. “Dent Appears in Local Heat Wave Siege.” 8-8-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lima-news-aug-08-1947-p-23/

 

Lima News, OH. “Relief From Heat Due Friday.: 8-7-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-24-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lima-news-aug-07-1947-p-1/

 

Logansport Pharos Tribune, IN. “Four-Day Heat Wave Broken.” 8-7-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-pharos-tribune-aug-07-1947-p-1/

 

Logansport Press, IN. “New Heat Wave Arrives Today Warning by US.” 8-9-1947, 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-press/1947-08-09/page-1/

 

Lowell Sun, MA. “Belvidere Man Collapses, Dies.” 8-16, 1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lowell-sun-aug-16-1947-p-1/

 

Lowell Sun, MA. “Heat Wave Bakes Area; Relief Due Tomorrow.” 8-14, 1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lowell-sun-aug-14-1947-p-1/

 

Lubbock Morning Avalanche, TX. “17 Are Dead In Heat Wave.” 8-6-1947, p. 1. Accessed at:  http://newspaperarchive.com/morning-avalanche/1947-08-06/page-1/

 

Mattoon Daily Journal, IL. “Dies of Heat Prostration.” 8-5-1947, p. 8. Accessed 5-23-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/mattoon-daily-journal-gazette-aug-05-1947-p-8/

 

Mexia Daily News, TX. “Worst Drought in Ten Years Grips Corn Belt.” 8-10-1947, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/the-mexia-daily-news/1947-08-10/page-1/

 

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, Chicago, IL. A Comparison of Chicago and Rockford Heat Waves and Hot Summers. Chicago, NWS WFO. Accessed 5-22-2019 at: https://www.weather.gov/lot/historic_heat_waves

 

New Castle News, PA. “Offers Some Hope For Heat Relief.” 8-14-1947, pp. 1 and 12. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-castle-news-aug-14-1947-p-12/

 

OnMilwaukee.com. “1947 heat wave caused Catholic school girls to ‘go wild’.” 7-21-2011. Accessed 2-6-2012 at: http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/girlsschoolriot.html

 

Public Health Service, Federal Security Agency. Vital Statistics of the United States 1947, Part I. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1949. Accessed 5-29-2019 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/vsus/vsus_1939_1964.htm

 

Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “`Heat Meter’ Reads 94.” 8-4-1947, p. 11. Accessed 5-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salt-lake-tribune-aug-04-1947-p-11/

 

Seymour Daily Tribune, IN. “Weather Man Hints Second Wave of Heat.” 8-8-1947, 1. Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/seymour-daily-tribune-aug-08-1947-p-1/

 

Times Herald, Olean, NY. “Expect Heat Record.” 8-11-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-27-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/olean-times-herald-aug-11-1947-p-1/

 

Times Recorder, Zanesville, OH. “Another Warm Day In Prospect.” 8-14-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/zanesville-times-recorder-aug-14-1947-p-1/

 

United Press. “Corn Belt Farmers Look For Signs of Drenching Rain As Mercury Climbs Again.” Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. 8-9-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/elyria-chronicle-telegram-aug-09-1947-p-1/

 

United Press. “Eden Is No Paradise in 98 Degree Heat Wave.” Dunkirk Evening Observer, Dunkirk, NY. 8-16-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-28-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dunkirk-evening-observer-aug-16-1947-p-1/

 

United Press. “Heat Causes Death.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 8-14-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-24-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/harrisburg-daily-register-aug-14-1947-p-1/

 

United Press. “Heat Wave Grips Plains.” Racine Journal-Times, WI. 8-2-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/racine-journal-times-aug-02-1947-p-1/

 

United Press. “Hot Weather Back in Iowa.” Fairfield Daily Ledger, IA. 8-2-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-26-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fairfield-daily-ledger-aug-02-1947-p-1/

 

United Press. “Little Relief In Sight For Withering Crops.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL. 8-14-1947, p. 1. Accessed 5-24-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/harrisburg-daily-register-aug-14-1947-p-1/

 

United Press. “Police Seek Relatives of Tyler Woman.” Taylor Press, TX, 8-13-1947, p. 6. Accessed 5-29-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/taylor-daily-press-aug-13-1947-p-6/

 

Wisconsin State Journal, Madison. “Heat Wave to Stay; Claims First Fatality.” 8-11-1947, p. 1.

Accessed 5-25-2019 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/madison-wisconsin-state-journal-aug-11-1947-p-1/

 

Zanesville Signal, OH. “Temperature at 94 as Heat Wave Continues.” 8-7-1947, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=2005938

 

 

[1] Compiled by B. Wayne Blanchard, May 2019 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com

[2] We do not claim that there were precisely 168-175 heat deaths during this time frame. We view the range as a floor. The range we show is the result of adding deaths which were counted and reported by State and (most often) locality. The U.S. Public Health Service in its Vital Statistics for the United States 1947 (Part I) notes that there were 540 “Excessive heat “ deaths in the U.S. in 1947 (Code 191), p. 17. We presume most of these would have occurred in the summer months. The Weather Service, and other sources, note that the first two weeks of August 1947 were the hottest of the year. Thus we tend to the opinion that more deaths than the 168-175 recorded here, took place and were noted as such on death certificates. Unfortunately the US PHS did not break excessive heat deaths out monthly.

[3] “After 112 heat heaths, the midwest had a cooling off period today…”

[4] “At least 111 persons lost their lives in the torrid spell. Sixty-three died of heat prostration and 43 were drowned while trying to escape the heat.”

[5] Notes that some deaths from drownings are included without specifying where.

[6] We have seen reporting on only one direct heat death. The same newspaper article mentioned the drowning death of a man who went swimming to cool off from the heat, and another report of a man who had a heart attack shortly after being caught out in a thunderstorm and hail.

[7] Decatur Daily, AL. “Three Deaths.” 8-6-1947, p. 2. Notes a drowning death and a heart attack death as well.

[8] Blytheville Courier News, AR. “Scorching 103 Recorded…Death Toll…Six.” 8-4-1947, p. 1.

[9] Blytheville Courier News, AR. “News About Weather Still Hot For Missco and Rest of State.” 8-7-1917, p. 1.

[10] Blytheville Courier News, AR. “State Gets Relief from Torrid Heat Wave of Past Two Weeks.” 8-12-1947, p. 1.

[11] Blytheville Courier News, AR. “Scorching 103 Recorded…Death Toll…Six.” 8-4-1947, p. 1.

[12] Blytheville Courier News, AR. “State Gets Relief from Torrid Heat Wave of Past Two Weeks.” 8-12-1947, p. 1.

[13] Blytheville Courier News, AR. “Scorching 103 Recorded…Death Toll…Six.” 8-4-1947, p. 1.

[14] Associated Press. “Scattered Rain Over Arkansas,” Camden News, AR. 8-12-1947, p. 1.

[15] Includes two drownings attributed to attempting to cool-off from the heat, not counted herein, for total of 14.

[16] Associated Press. “Heat Wave Hangs on: 19 Are Dead.” Joplin News Herald, MO, 8-6-1947, p. 1.

[17] Harrisburg Daily Register, IL. “Heat Causes One Death, Four Cases of Prostration.” 8-6-1947, p. 2.

[18] Mattoon Daily Journal, IL. “Dies of Heat Prostration.” 8-5-1947, p. 8.

[19] Associated Press. “102 at Kokomo.” Logansport Press, IN. 8-6-1947, p. 1.

[20] Associated Press. “Fair, Dry and Warm in Iowa For 5 Days.” Estherville Daily News, IA, 8-8-1947, p. 1.

[21] Associated Press. “Death Caused By Extreme Heat.” Estherville Daily News, IA. 8-7-1947, p. 1.

[22] Associated Press. “Blame Heat in Davenport Death.” Boone News-Republican, IA, 8-6-1947, p. 1.

[23] Associated Press. “Fair, Dry and Warm in Iowa For 5 Days.” Estherville Daily News, IA, 8-8-1947, p. 1.

[24] Associated Press. “Heat Causes 3 Iowa Deaths.” Muscatine Journal, IA, 8-6-1947, p. 1.

[25] Associated Press. “Heat Causes 3 Iowa Deaths.” Muscatine Journal, IA, 8-6-1947, p. 1.

[26] AP. “Corn Suffers, Fires Rage As Heat Wave Holds Force.” Daily Times-News, Burlington, IA, 8-11-1947, 1.

[27] Died at 6 p.m.; at 4 p.m. temp. was 99°. (Lowell Sun, MA. “Belvidere Man Collapses, Dies.” 8-16, 1947, p. 1.)

[28] Associated Press. “Heat Offensive Is Broken Up In Mid-West.” Titusville Herald, PA, 8-14-1947, p. 1.

[29] Daily Sikeston Standard, MO. “Illmo Child Dies of Heat Prostration.” 8-5-1947, p. 9.

[30] “St. Louis, Aug. 8–(AP)–Nineteen more deaths from heat exhaustion were reported in the St. Louis area today for a total of 57 since the heat wave began a week ago. The city morgue has received the bodies of 87 persons who have died of heat exhaustion or other unexplained causes since last Friday, a volume five times above normal.”

[31] “St. Louis, Aug. 8…12 new deaths from heat exhaustion were reported bringing to 50 the number of such deaths in the St. Louis area since the current heat wave began.”

[32] United Press. “Heat Causes Death.” Daily Register, Harrisburg, IL, 8-14-1947, p. 1.

[33] “St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 7…Eleven additional deaths in the St. Louis area were attributed to heat exhaustion today, bringing to 22 the toll since the current heat wave began. At least 12 other persons were overcome yesterday with the mercury soared to 102 degrees, the hottest August 6 here in more than 100 years covered by available records.”

[34] “St. Louis, Aug. 5 (AP)–Three new deaths were attributed today to the heat in St. Louis, and at least four other persons were overcome…”

[35] International News Service. “Heat Kills Golfer.” Times Record, Troy, NY, 8-9-1947, p. 1.

[36] Associated Press. “Thundershowers Seen for All State.” Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY, 8-15-1947, p. 1.

[37] This includes, however, seven drownings and four lightning electrocutions, which we do not include.

[38] Associated Press. “Ohio Heat Wave Appears Broken.” Republican-Courier, Findlay OH, 8-9-1947, p. 7.

[39] AP. “Ohio Reports Fatality As Temperature Rises To High for Summer.” Athens Messenger, OH, 8-4-1947, p. 1.

[40] Times Recorder, Zanesville, OH. “Another Warm Day In Prospect.” 8-14-1947, p. 1.

[41] “A physician said death was due to heat prostration about noon.” (Lima News, OH. “Relief From Heat Due Friday.: 8-7-1947, p. 1.)

[42] Notes three “heat prostration” deaths, one each at Toledo, Youngstown and Ottawa, not mentioning Cincinnati.

[43] Associated Press. “Heat Relief Hopes In South Ohio Fade.” Athens Messenger, OH, 8-8-1947, p. 1.

[44] Sanford Arriel, 63, stricken at home and dead upon arrival at a hospital. County Coroner ruled sunstroke.

[45] Mount Lebanon is just south of Pittsburgh. (Associated Press. “Worker Dies of Heat Prostration.” Somerset American, PA. 8-6-1947, p. 6.)

[46] New Castle News, PA. “Offers Some Hope For Heat Relief.” 8-14-1947, pp. 1 and 12.

[47] International News Service. “Hot and Cool Air Fight For Area Mastery.” Circleville Herald, OH, 8-16-1947, p. 1.

[48] Associated Press. “Heat Wave Claims Its 2^nd Victim In State.” Kingsport News, TN, 8-7-1947, p. 1.

[49] AP. “Tropical Storm May Hit Texas Coastal Area; Rain General.” Corsicana Daily Sun, TX. 8-12-1947, p. 1.

[50] Associated Press. “No Relief From Texas Heat Seen.” Abilene Reporter News, TX. 8-9-1947, p. 1.

[51] United Press. “Police Seek Relatives of Tyler Woman.” Taylor Press, TX, 8-13-1947, p. 6.

[52] Kenosha Evening News, WI. “Kenosha is Hottest Spot as State Fries; Predict Heat Break.” 8-6-1947, p. 1.

[53] Wisconsin State Journal, Madison. “Heat Wave to Stay; Claims First Fatality.” 8-11-1947, p. 1.

[54] Kenosha Evening News, WI. “Kenosha is Hottest Spot as State Fries; Predict Heat Break.” 8-6-1947, p. 1.

[55] Civil Aeronautics Administration.