1980 — June-Sep, Heat, esp. Midwest & So. Plains, esp. MO/TN/AR/TX/MS[1] –1,863-1,904
–~18,000 Avery in AP. “Heat expected to increase death rate.” New Mexican, Santa Fe. 8-17-1988, 2.[2]
— 15,000 Chicago Tribune. “Chicago sweating its way to yet another heat record.” 8-17-1988.[3]
–~10,000 Horstmeyer, Steven L. The Weather Almanac (12th ed.). Wiley, 2011, p. 82.[4]
–~10,000 Lott/Ross. “Tracking…Evaluating US Billion Dollar Weather Disasters, 1980-2005.”[5]
–>10,000 Piantadosi. The Biology of Human Survival: Life and Death in Extreme… 2003, 75.
–>10,000 U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. Heat stress and older Americans. 1983.
— 5,000 NCDC July 2008 low estimate.
— >2,000 Capital Times, Madison WI. “Energy aid…elderly…for cooling…” 7-30-1980, p. 3.
— 1,904 Blanchard high estimate based on State breakouts below.
— 1,863 Blanchard low estimate based on State breakouts below.
— 1,716 CDC. “Current Trends Heat-Related Deaths…” MMWR, 38/25, 6-30-1989, 437-439.
— >1,700 Adams, Christopher R. Impacts of Temperature Extremes.
— 1,700 CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.[6]
— 1,700 Gelber, Ben. The Pennsylvania Weather Book. 2002, 97. (May-Sep).[7]
— <1,300 Falk / Christmas (NWS). An Intense Heat Checklist Based on the 1980 Heat Wave. 1.
— >1,300 Karl and Quayle, “The 1980 Summer Heat Wave…” MWR, 109/10, Oct 1981.
— >1,300 NCDC. Billion Dollar US Weather Disasters 1980-1994.
— 1,265 Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, IN. “1980 in Review.” 12-26-1980, p. 20.
— 1,265 AP. “Tips for coping with the heat wave.” Register-Herald, Beckley, WV, 7-6-1988, 14.[8]
— >1,250 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin. Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer.[9]
— 1,200 AP. “In U.S., ‘80s…Plagued by Drought.” Courier News, Blytheville, AR. 6-19-1988, 7.
— 472 May-Aug. NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No’s. 5-9, May-Sep 1980.
–319 July. NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980.
— 5 Aug. NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 8, Aug 1980.
–148 Mid-June to mid-Sept. late report for Arkansas. Storm Data 22/9, Sep 1980, 2.
Summary of 1980 Heat Fatalities by State
Alabama 125 Utah 1
Alaska 1 Vermont 1
Arizona 30 Virginia 12
Arkansas 148-153 Washington 3
California 43 West Virginia 5
Colorado 2 Wisconsin 4
Connecticut 4
Delaware 2
District of Col. 4
Florida 23
Georgia 99
Idaho 1
Illinois 8
Indiana 27
Iowa 18
Kansas 134
Kentucky 34
Louisiana 53
Maine 2
Maryland 8
Massachusetts 8
Michigan 9
Minnesota 6
Mississippi 135
Missouri 295-311
Montana 1
Nebraska 15
Nevada 4
New Hampshire 2
New Jersey 19
New Mexico 2
New York 24
North Carolina 15
North Dakota 2
Ohio 20
Oklahoma 80
Oregon 2
Pennsylvania 20
Rhode Island 1
South Carolina 18
South Dakota 1
Tennessee 172-192
Texas 140
Breakout of 1980 Heat and Heat-Related Fatalities by State (where noted)
Alabama (125)
–125 AL DPH. “Health precautions urged during periods of prolonged heat.” 11-7-2006 mod.[10]
–125 State. Burkett, Seth. “Heat wave proves deadly.” Decatur Daily, AL. 8-18-2007.
–120 State. June “heat-related deaths”. NWS WFO Birmingham, AL. Top 10 Weather.
–120 State. July 5-19. NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 1.
–119 CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
Breakout of Alabama heat-related deaths by locality where noted: [CDC WONDER]
— 1 Bullock County. Female, 75-84.
— 3 Calhoun County. Females, 55-64, 75-84; Male 45-54.
— 1 Cherokee County. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Clark County. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Coffee County. Female, 55-64.
— 1 Colbert County. Male, 85+.
— 1 Covington County. Female, 55-64.
— 1 Crenshaw County. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Cullman County. Male, 65-74.
— 2 Dale County. Females, 75-84.
— 7 Dallas County. Females, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84 (2); Males, 5-9, 65-74, 75-84.
— 5 Elmore County. Females, 55-64, 65-74. Males, 55-64, 65-74 (2).
— 2 Escambia County. Female, 85+ Male, 65-74.
— 2 Etowah County. Female, 75-84. Male, 25-34.
— 1 Franklin County Female, 75-84.
— 2 Geneva County Males, 65-74.
— 1 Green County Female, 65-74.
— 3 Henry County. Females, 65-74, 75-84 (2).
— 1 Houston County. Female, 75-84.
–22 Jefferson County. Females, 55-65, 65-74 (4), 75-84 (6), 85+ (2)
Males, 45-54 (2), 55-64 (2), 65-74 (2), 75-84 (3).
— 1 Lamar County. Female, 35-44.
— 3 Lauderdale County. Females, 75-84.
— 1 Lawrence County. Male, 65-74.
— 3 Limestone County. Female, 75-84. Males, 35-44, 75-84.
— 2 Lowndes County. Female, 75-84. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Macon County. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Madison County. Male, 45-54.
— 3 Marengo County. Female, 75-84. Males, 55-64, 65-74.
–17 Mobile County. Females, 35-44, 45-54 (2) 55-64, 65-74 (2) and 85+ (2). [12 total]
Males, 45-54 (2), 55-64, 75-84 (2). [5 total]
–21 Mobile Co. AP. “Statewide heat death toll…” News–Courier, Athens, AL. 8-6-1999, 6A.[11]
— 1 Monroe County. Male, 45-54.
–10 Montgomery County. Female, 55-64, 65-74 (4), 75-84 (3). Males, 25-34, 55-64.
— 3 Pickens County. Female, 85+. Males, 55-64, 75-84.
— 2 Pike County. Female, 75-84. Male, 65-74.
— 2 Russell County. Males, 65-74, 85+.
— 1 Shelby County. Male, 35-34.
— 1 Sumter County. Male, 25-34.
— 2 Talladega County. Female, 65-74. Male, 85+.
— 4 Tuscaloosa County. Females, 75-84 (3). Male, 75-84.
— 2 Walker County. Females, 65-74, 75-84.
Alaska ( 1)
–1 Male, 25-34. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998..
Arizona ( 30)
–30 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 1 Apache County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Graham County. Male, 45-54.
–14 Maricopa County. Females, <1, 35-44, 65-74 (2). [4 total]
Males 20-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 (2), 65-74 (2), 85+.
— 1 Navajo County. Male, 55-64.
— 3 Pima County. Male, 34,44, 55-64, one not stated.
— 1 Pinal County. Male, 35-44.
— 9 Yuma County. Female, 35-44. Males, 55-64 (3), 65-74, 75-84 (2), one unstated.
Arkansas (148-153)
–153 AP. “One heat-related fatality sparks state to issue warning.” Couriernews.com, 7-18-2006.[12]
–153 Arkansas Dept. of Health. “ADH Warns of Heat Related Illness.” Aug 2011.
–153 Hogan, Randy. “ADH warns of heat-related illness.” Daily World, Helena, AR, 7-27-2011
–148 State, mid-June to mid-Sep. NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 9, Sep 1980, p. 2.
–136 Direct
— 12 Heat a contributing factor.
–136 Courier News, Blytheville, AR. “Clinton Proclaims Day of Prayer for Rain.” 6-24-1988, 1.[13]
–123 State, July. Review of the News, Vol. 16, No. 31, July 30, 1980, p. 3.
–136 CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
Breakout of Arkansas heat deaths by locality (CDC WONDER).
— 3 Arkansas County. Female, 75-84. Males, 55-64 (2).
— 1 Ashley County. Male, 35-44.
— 4 Chicot County. Females, <1, 85+. Males, 55-64, 65-74.
— 1 Clark County. Male, 85+.
— 1 Cleburne County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Conway County. Female, 85+.
— 3 Craighead County. Males, 55-64, 65-74 (2).
— 5 Crittenden County. Females, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84. Male, 35-44.
— 2 Desha County. Females, 85+ (2).
— 2 Drew County. Female, 85+. Male, 45-54.
— 3 Faulkner County. Males, 45-54, 55-64, 75-84.
— 3 Fulton County. Males, 25-34, 55-64, 65-74.
— 4 Garland County. Males, 45-54, 55-64, 85+.
— 1 Grant County. Female, 55-64.
— 1 Greene County. Female, 65-74.
— 2 Hempstead County. Female, 75-84. Male, 35-44.
— 2 Jackson County. Female, 75-84 (2).
–11 Jefferson County. Females, 25-34, 45-54, 65-74. [Total of 3 females.]
Males 25-34, 35-44, 45-54 (2), 55-64, 65-74 (3). [Total of 8.]
— 2 Johnson County. Males, 55-64, 75-84.
— 7 Lawrence County. Females, 55-64, 75-84. Males, 45-54 (2), 65-74, 75-84, 85+.
— 4 Lee County. Female, 75-84. Males, 65-74 (3).
— 1 Lonoke County. Male, 75-84.
–14 Mississippi County. Females, 25-34, 45-54, 55-64. 75-84 (2). [Total of 5.]
Males, 45-54, 65-74 (4), 75-84 (3), 85+. [Total of 9.]
— 3 Monroe County. Female, 85+. Males, 65-74, 75-84.
— 1 Montgomery County. Male, 55-64.
— 2 Nevada County. Female, 65-74. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Ouachita County. Male, 55-64.
— 2 Perry County. Males, 55-64, 75-84.
— 1 Phillips County. Female, 75-84.
— 5 Poinsett County. Females, 35-44, 65-74, 85+. Males, 45-54, 65-74.
— 2 Pope County. Female, 65-74. Male, 45-54.
–17 Pulaski County. Females, 35-44, 75-84 (6), 85+ (4). [Total of 11.]
Males, 55-64 (3), 65-74 (2), 75-84. [Total of 6.]
— 1 Randolph County. Female, 55-64.
— 6 St. Francis County. Females, 55-64, 65-74 (3), 75-84. Male, 55-64.
— 8 Sebastian County. Females, 55-64, 75-84 (2). Males, 55-64, 65-74 (2), 75-84 (2).
— 1 Sevier County. Female, 55-64.
— 1 Sharp County. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Union County. Male, 55-64.
— 1 White County. Male, 75-84.
— 4 Woodruff County. Females, 75-84, 85+ (2). Male, 85+.
— 1 Yell County. Female, 45-54.
California ( 43)
–43 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 1 Alameda County. Male, 65-74.
— 2 Fresno County. Female, 75-84. Male, 20-24.
— 1 Humboldt County. Male, 25-34.
— 9 Imperial County. Females, 55-64, 65-74. Males 45-54, 65-74, 75-84, 1 unstated.
— 1 Inyo County. Male, 75-84.
— 2 Kern County. Female, <1 year old. Male, 55-64.
— 4 Los Angeles County. Females, 15-19, 25-34. Males, <1 year old, 25-34.
— 1 Merced County. Male, 75-84.
— 4 Orange County. Female, 55-64. Males, 1-14, 15-19, 65-74.
–12 Riverside County. Females 55-64, 65-74, 75-84. Males 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 (3)
— 2 San Diego County. Males, 25-34, 65-74.
— 1 San Francisco County. Male, 35-44.
— 2 San Joaquin County. Males, 15-19, 75-84.
— 1 Ventura County Male, under one-year-old.
Colorado ( 2)
–2 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Baca County. Male, 85+.
–1 El Paso County. Male, 35-44.
Connecticut ( 4)
–4 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Fairfield County. Female, 55-64.
–1 Hartford County. Male, 20-24.
–2 New Haven County. Female, 55-64. Male, 85+.
Delaware ( 2)
–2 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–2 New Castle County. Males, 55-64, 65-74.
District of Co.( 4)
–4 CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— Females, 75-84 and 85+. Males, 25-34 and 85+.
Florida ( 23)
— 5 Lushine/NWS. “Underreporting of Heat and Cold Related Deaths in Florida.” Figure 3.[14]
–23 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 1 Bay County. Male, 65-74.
— 2 Brevard County. Males, 45-54 and 55-64.
— 1 Broward County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Collier County. Male, 25-34.
— 7 Duval County. Females, 55-64, 65-74 (2). Males, 35-44, 45-54, 65-74.
— 2 Escambia County. Female, 55-64. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Jackson County. Male, 85+.
— 1 Lee County. Male, 25-34.
— 1 Manatee County. Male, 25-34.
— 1 Marion County. Male, 25-34.
— 1 Miami-Dade County. Male, 35-44.
— 1 Palm Beach County. Female, 35-44.
— 2 Pinellas County. Female, 65-74. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Sumter County. Female, 45-54.
Georgia ( 99)
–96 State, July-Aug. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No’s. 7-8, July-Aug 1980.
–91 July. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 5.
— 5 Aug. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 8, August 1980, p. 4.
–99 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 1 Bacon County. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Baldwin County. Female, 20-24.
— 2 Bibb County. Males, 75-84.
— 1 Bleckley County. Female, 45-54.
— 1 Burke County. Female, 65-74.
— 1 Candler County. Male, 65-74.
— 4 Chatham County. Females, 65-74 (2), 75-84. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Clinch County. Male, 45-54.
— 1 Coweta County. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Crisp County. Male, 55-64.
— 6 DeKalb County. Females, 65-74, 75-84 (3). Male, 85+.
— 1 Dougherty County. Male, 1-4.
— 1 Evans County. Female, 75-84.
— 5 Floyd County. Females, 45-54, 65-74, 85+. Males, 65-74, 85+.
— 8 Fulton County. Females, 65-74, 75-84, 85+ (2). Males, 25-34, 45-54 (2), 65-74.
— 1 Greene County. Male, 45-54.
— 4 Gwinnett County. Males, 1-4, 15-19, 45-54, 55-64.
— 1 Hart County. Male, 45-54.
— 1 Houston County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Jeff Davis County. Male, 35-44.
— 1 Jefferson County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Johnson County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Laurens County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Macon County. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Mitchell County. Female, 75-84.
–26 Muscogee County. Females, 45-54 (2), 55-64 (6), 65-74 (5), 75-84 (4). [17 total.]
Males, 25-34, 45-54, 55-64 (4), 65-74, 75-84 (2). [9 total.]
–20 Muscogee Co., Columbus area, July. NCDC, Storm Data, 22/7, July 1980, p5.
— 2 Newton County. Female, 65-74. Male, 85+.
— 1 Pickens County. Female, 35-44.
–11 Richmond County. Females, 45-54, 55-64 (), 75-84 (2). [7 total.]
Males, 15-19, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74. [4 total.]
— 1 Screven County. Female, 55-64.
— 1 Spaulding County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Sumter County. Male, 75-84.
— 2 Taylor County. Males, 45-54, 75-84.
— 2 Walker County. Females, 55-64, 65-74.
— 1 Walton County. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Ware County. Female, 25-34.
— 1 Whitfield County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Worth County. Male, 45-54.
Idaho ( 1)
–1 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Cassia County. Male, 25-34.
Illinois ( 88)
–88 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 1 Adams County. Female, 85+.
— 9 Alexander County. Females, 55-64, 65-74 (3), 75-84, 85+. Males, 45-54, 55-65, 75-84
— 1 Bond County. Male, 85+.
— 8 Cook County. Female, 35-34. Males, 35-44, 45-54 (3), 55-64 (2), 75-84.
— 1 Crawford County. Male, 85+.
— 2 Dewitt County. Females, 75-84, 85+.
— 1 Franklin County. Male, 35-44.
— 1 Henry County. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Jackson County. Female, 85+.
— 1 Jefferson County. Female, 65-74.
— 4 Kane County. Female, 85+. Males, 45-54, 55-64, 75-84.
— 1 La Salle County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 McLean County. Female, 65-74.
— 1 Macon County. Male, 75-84.
— 8 Madison County. Females, 45-54, 65-74, 75-84 (3). Male, 75-84.
— 1 Marion County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Montgomery County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Peoria County. Male, 25-34.
— 1 Piatt County. Male, 55-64.
— 5 Pulaski County. Female, 75-84 (2). Males, 65-74 (2), 85+.
— 1 Randolph County. Female, 55-64.
— 1 Rock Island County. Female, 25-34.
–31 St. Clair County. Females 35-44, 45-54 (2), 55-64 (3), 65-74 (4) 75-84 (4), 85+ (4).
Males 20-24, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 (2), 65-74 (4), 75-84 (2), 85+ (2)
— 1 Saline County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Sangamon County. Male, 25-34.
— 3 Williamson County. Females, 65-74, 85+. Male, 65-74.
Indiana ( 27)
–27 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 1 Clark County. Female, 75-84.
— 2 De Kalb County. Males, 55-64, 75-84.
— 1 Delaware County. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Floyd County. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Fulton County. Male, 85+.
— 1 Gibson County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Harrison County. Female, 55-64.
— 1 Henry County. Male, 75-84.
— 5 Knox County. Females, 45-54 (2), 65-74. Males, 45-54, 55-64.
— 1 La Porte County. Male, 65-74.
— 6 Marion County. Females, 45-54, 55-64, 75-84, 85+. Males, 55-64, 65-74.
–1 Indianapolis, July 8. Heart condition aggravated by heat; female, 75.[15]
— 1 Tipton County. Female, 85+.
— 4 Vanderburgh County. Female, 85+ (2). Males, 45-54, 75-84.
— 1 Warrick County. Female, 85+.
Iowa ( 18)
–18 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 1 Black Hawk County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Buchanan County. Female, 55-64.
— 1 Mahaska County. Male, 25-34.
— 1 Marshall County. Male, 85+.
— 1 Osceola County. Male, 55-64.
— 4 Polk County. Females, 65-74, 85+. Males, 55-64, 85+.
— 1 Pottawattamie County. Female, 25-34.
— 1 Scott County. Male, 35-44.
— 1 Sioux County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Wapello County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Washington County. Male, 35-44.
— 2 Webster County. Females, 75-84, 85+.
— 1 Woodbury County. Male, 85+.
— 1 Wright County. Female, 65-74.
Kansas (134)
— 134 KS DHE. “Heat Related Deaths…” Kansas Health Statistics Report, No. 33, May 2007, 10.
–>130 State. Garden City Telegram, KS. “Heat tops Kansas news.” 12-31-1980, 25.
— 105 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998.
— 2 Anderson County. Males, 55-64, 75-84.
— 1 Atchison County. Female, 65-74.
— 1 Barton County. Female, 45-54.
— 1 Bourbon County. Male, 35-44.
— 1 Brown County. Male, 55-64.
— 2 Butler County. Female, 45-54. Male, 85+.
— 1 Cherokee County. Male, 55-64.
— 3 Cowley County. Female, 55-65. Males, 55-65, 75-84.
— 1 Dickinson County. Male, 45-54.
— 1 Doniphan County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Ellsworth County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Franklin County. Female, 85+.
— 3 Geary County. Females, 55-64, 75-84. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Greenwood County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Jackson County. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Jefferson County. Female, 65-74.
— 2 Johnson County. Females, 65-74 (2).
— 3 Labette County. Female, 85+. Males, 65-74, 75-84.
— 3 Leavenworth Co. Females 75-84, 85+. Male, 85+.
— 1 McPherson County. Male, under 1 year-old.
— 1 Montgomery Co. Female, 45-54.
— 1 Morris County. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Ness County. Male, 35-44.
— 1 Osage County. Female, 85+.
— 1 Osborne County. Female, 75-84.
— 2 Reno County. Female, 35-44. Male, 65-74.
— 2 Saline County. Females, 55-64, 75-84.
— 9 Sedgwick County. Females, 35-44, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84.
Males, 25-34, 45-54, 75-84 (2), 85+.
— 18 Shawnee County. Females, 25-34, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74 (3), 75-84 (2). [8 total.]
Males, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 (3), 65-74 (2), 75-84 (2), 85+. [10]
— 1 Stanton County. Female, 85+.
— 37 Wyandotte County. Females, 45-54 (2), 55-64 (2), 65-74 (7), 75-84 (9), 85+ (6). [26]
Males, 35-44, 55-64 (2), 65-74 (2), 75-84 (6). [11]
Kentucky ( 34)
–34 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 1 Campbell County. Female, 55-64.
— 1 Carroll County. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Christian County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Clinton County. Male, 85+.
— 1 Daviess County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Fayette County. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Fulton County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Graves County. Female, 65-74.
— 1 Henderson County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Hickman County. Male, 65-74.
–13 Jefferson County. Females, 45-54, 65-74 (2), 75-84 (6). [9 total]
Males 1-4, 35-44, 65-74, 75-84. [4 total]
— 1 Kenton County. Female, 65-74.
— 1 Larue County. Female, 85+.
— 1 Laurel County. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Magoffin County. Female, 85+.
— 1 Metcalfe County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Nelson County. Female, 75-84.
— 2 Pike County. Males, 45-54, 55-64.
— 1 Shelby County. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Washington County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Woodford County. Female, 75-84.
Louisiana ( 53)
–24 State, July 1-16. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 11.
–53 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 1 Acadia Parish. Female, 25-34.
–12 Caddo Parish. Females, 55-64, 65-74 (3), 75-84 (3), 85+ (2). [9 total]
Males, 65-74, 75-84 (2) [3 total]
— 1 Calcasieu Parish. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Cameron Parish. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Concordia Parish. Male, 20-24.
— 1 De Sota Parish. Male, 20-24.
— 1 East Baton Rouge Par. Male, 35-44.
— 1 Jackson Parish. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Jefferson Davis Parish. Male, 45-54.
— 2 Lafayette Parish. Female, 35-44. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Lafourche Parish. Male, 45-54.
— 1 Lincoln Parish. Female, 65-74.
— 2 Madison Parish. Males, 15-19 (2).
— 2 Natchitoches Parish. Females, 65-74, 85+.
–17 Orleans Parish. Females, 55-64, 65-74 (3), 75-84 (5). [9 total]
Males, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 (3), 65-74, 75-84 (2). [8 total]
— 4 Ouachita Parish. Female, 55-64. Males, 1-4, 15-19, 45-54.
— 1 Rapides Parish. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Tangipahoa Parish. Male, 15-19.
— 1 Union Parish. Male, 45-54.
— 1 Winn Parish. Female, 65-74.
Maine ( 2)
–2 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Androscoggin County. Female, 85+.
–1 York County. Female, 85+.
Maryland ( 8)
–8 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–2 Prince George’s County. Females, 1-4, 55-64.
–6 Baltimore city. Females, 65-74 (2), 75-84 (2). Males 25-34 (2).
Massachusetts ( 8)
–8 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–2 Essex County. Female, 85+. Male, 85+.
–1 Hampden Co. Female, 84+.
–1 Middlesex Co. Male, 75-84.
–4 Norfolk County. Females, 75-84, 85+ (3).
Michigan ( 9)
–9 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Genesee County. Male, 65-74.
–1 Isabella County. Male, 75-84.
–1 Oakland County. Female, 35-44.
–1 Saginaw County. Female, 75-84.
–1 St. Clair County. Female, 55-64.
–4 Wayne County. Female, 85+. Males, 25-34, 55-64, 85+.
Minnesota ( 6)
–6 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Cottonwood County. Female, 75-84.
–2 Faribault County. Female, 75-84. Male, 85+.
–1 Hennepin County. Female, 75-84.
–1 Redwood County. Female, 85+.
–1 Watonwan County. Male, 45-54.
Mississippi (135)
–135 CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 2 Alcorn County. Female, 35-44. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Amite County. Female, 75-84.
— 2 Attala County. Females, 45-54, 75-84.
— 1 Benton County. Male, 1-4.
— 5 Bolivar County. Females, 75-84 (3), 85+. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Carroll County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Claiborne County. Female, 45-54.
— 1 Clay County. Male, 85+.
— 4 Coahoma County. Females, 35-44, 55-64, 85+. Male, 65-74.
— 2 Forrest County. Males, 75-84 (2).
— 10 Grenada County. Females, 65-74, 75-84, 85+. [3 total]
Males, 15-19, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84, 85+. [7 total]
— 2 Harrison County. Female, 85+. Male, 55-64.
— 5 Hinds County. Females, 65-74 (2), 75-84. Males, 45-54, 85+.
— 1 Holmes County. Male, 75-84.
— 5 Humphreys County. Females, 55-64 (2), 75-84. Males, 55-64, 75-84.
— 3 Itawamba County. Females, 35-44, 65-74, 75-84.
— 1 Jefferson County. Female, 65-74.
— 2 Jones County. Males, 75-84.[16]
— 3 Lauderdale County. Females, 75-84 (2), 85+.
— 1 Leake County. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Lee County. Male, 55-64.
— 8 Leflore County. Females, 65-74 (3), 75-84 (2), 85+ (2). Male, 55-64.
— 8 Lowndes County. Females, 55-64, 65-74 (2), 75-84, 85+ (2). Males 45-54, 65-74.
— 2 Madison County. Female, 75-84. Male, 20-24.
— 1 Marshall County. Female, 85+.
— 6 Monroe County. Females, 55-64, 65-74, 85+. Males, 55-64, 75-84 (2).
— 3 Montgomery County. Female, 75-84. Males, 65-74, 75-84.
— 3 Noxubee County. Female, 85+, not stated (2).
— 1 Oktibbeha County. Male, 45-54.
— 3 Panola County. Females, 65-74, 85+ (2). Male, 75-84.
— 2 Prentiss County. Males, 35-44, 45-54.
— 2 Quitman County. Female, 85+. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Scott County. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Sharkey County. Male, 65-74.
— 2 Simpson County. Females, 65-74, 75-84.
— 1 Smith County. Female, 85+.
— 3 Sunflower County. Females 65-74 (2), 75-84.
— 1 Tallahatchie County. Male 45-54.
— 1 Tishomingo County. Female, 85+.
— 5 Tunica County. Females, 45-54, 75-84. Males, <1, 55-64, 65-74.
— 2 Warren County. Female, 55-64. Male, 55-64.
— 17 Washington County. Females 55-64 (2), 65-74 (4), 75-84 (4), 85+ (2) [12 total]
Males, 35-44, 45-54, 55-65, 65-74, 75-84. [ 5 total]
— 1 Wayne County. Female, 65-74.
— 3 Winston County. Females, 65-74 (2), 85+.
— 1 Yalobusha County. Male, 25-34.
— 2 Yazoo County. Males 10-14, 45-54.
Missouri (295-311)
— 311 State. Roswell Daily Record, NM. “Searing heat wave expensive…U.S.” 10-16-1980, 14.
— 310 “ Iola Register, KS. “Stubbornness, fears kept aged from aid.” 7-31-1980, 5.
–>300 “ O’Neil. “A Look Back. Searing heat wave killed 153…SLT Today, 7-10-2011
— 295 “ MO DHHS. Data and Statistical Reports. “Health Conditions…Hyperthermia.”
— 283 St. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
Breakout of Missouri heat-related deaths by locality using CDC WONDER, except where noted.
— 1 Adair County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Andrew County. Female, 85+.
— 1 Audrain County. Male, 45-54.
— 2 Bates County. Female, 45-54. Male, 55-64.
— 2 Benton County. Males, 45-54, 75-84.
— 3 Boone County. Females, 75-84 (2). Male, 75-84.
— 3 Buchanan County. Female, 65-74. Males, 55-64, 65-74.
— 1 Butler County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Callaway County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Cape Girardeau Co. Male, 45-54.
— 5 Cass County. Females, 75-84 (3), 85+ (2).
— 2 Clay County. Female, 75-84. Male, 65-74.
— 2 Clinton County. Males, 55-64, 65-74.
— 1 Cooper County. Female, 85+.
— 1 Daviess County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Dunklin County. Female, 75-84.
— 2 Franklin County. Males, 45-54, 75-84.
— 3 Gasconade County. Females, 75-84.
— 2 Greene County. Female, 85+. Male, 25-34.
— 1 Harrison County. Male, 85+.
— 2 Henry County. Female, 45-54. Male, 85+.
— 1 Howard County. Female, 85+.
— 91 Jackson County. Females, <1, 35-44 (2), 45-54 (3), 55-65 (6), 65-74 (14), 75-84 (13), 85+ (10). [49 total]
Males, <1, 25-34, 35-44. 45-54 (6), 55-64 (6), 65-74 (15), 75-84 (8), 85+ (3), 1 not stated. [42 total]
–176 Kansas City, Jackson Co. Roe, Jason (Kansas City Public Library, MO). “Heat Wave.”[17]
–136 “ City of Kansas City, MO. Emer. Mgmt. History (website). “Disasters.”
–135 “ Iola Register, KS. “Stubbornness, fears kept aged from aid.” 7-31-1980, 5.
–133 “ LA Times. “Death Toll From Heat Rises to Nearly 300 Across U.S.” 7-18-1995.
— 2 Jasper County. Female, 55-64. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Lafayette County. Male, 45-54.
— 1 Livingston County. Female, 65-74.
— 2 McDonald County. Female, 75-84. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Marion County. Male, 65-74.
— 4 Moniteau County. Females, 85+ (2). Male, 65-74, 75-84.
— 1 Morgan County. Male, 65-74.
— 2 New Madrid County. Female, 65-74. Male, <1 year old.
— 1 Newton County. Female, 65-74.
— 3 Oregon County. Males 55-64 (2), 65-74.
— 6 Pemiscot County. Females, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84 (2), 85+. Male, 45-54.
— 5 Pettis County. Females, 65-74, 75-84 (3). Male, 65-74.
— 1 Pike County. Male, 35-44.
— 1 Randolph County. Female, 65-74.
— 1 Ray County. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Ripley County. Male, 45-54.
–153 St. Louis. O’Neil. “A Look Back. Searing heat wave killed 153…SLT Today, 7-10-2011.[18]
–113 “ NYT, St. Louis Bears Brunt of Heat Wave…,” July 24, 1983.
–110 St. Louis city. Females 35-44, 45-54 (5), 55-64 (9), 65-74 (25), 75-84 (20), 85+ (6).
Males, 35-44, 45-54 (7), 55-64 (9). 65-74 (13), 75-84 (11), 85+ (3).
–108 heat stroke deaths by July 18 according to Medical Examiner.[19]
— 2 St. Louis County. Female, 65-74. Male, 75-84.
— 2 Saline County. Males, 35-44, 75-84.
— 3 Scott County. Female, 55-64. Males, 45-54, 65-74.
— 3 Wayne County. Females 65-74, 75-84. Male, 65-74.
Montana ( 1)
–1 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–Carbon County. Male, 20-24.
Nebraska ( 15)
–15 State. Blanchard tally (CDC WONDER plus NCDC for Jefferson, Keith, Thayer Counties.)
–11 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 6 Douglas County. Females, 55-64, 75, 84. Males, 45-54 (2), 55-64, 65-74.
–1 July 11. Heat exhaustion; male. NCDC, Storm Data 22/7, p. 15.
— 1 Gage County. Female, 55-64.
— 1 Hall County. Male, 55-64.
— 2 Jefferson County, Fairbury, July 15. Heat-related; two elderly people; 105° heat. NCDC.[20]
— 1 Keith County, Lake McConaughy, July 14. Heat exhaustion; male. Storm Data 22/7, p. 15.
— 1 Nemaha County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Pierce County. Female, 65-74.
— 1 Polk County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Thayer Co., Davenport, July 10. Heat exhaustion; male; temperature near 105°. NCDC.[21]
Nevada ( 4)
–4 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–3 Clark County. Males 65-74 (2), 75-84.
–1 Washoe County. Male, 20-24.
New Hampshire ( 2)
–2 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Hillsborough County. Female, 75-84.
–1 Rockingham County. Male, 75-84.
New Jersey ( 19)
–19 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–3 Bergen County. Female, 65-74. Males, 35-44, 75-84.
–1 Burlington County. Male, 20-24.
–1 Camden County. Male, 75-84.
–2 Cumberland County. Females, 45-54, 85+.
–4 Essex County. Females, 65-74 (2), 75-84 (2).
–2 Gloucester County. Female, 35-44. Male, 15-19.
–1 Mercer County. Male, 75-84.
–2 Middlesex County. Females, 55-65, 85+.
–1 Monmouth County. Female, 65-74.
–2 Union County. Females, 65-74. Male, 35-44.
New Mexico ( 2)
–2 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Catron County. Male, 25-34.
–1 McKinley County. Male, 55-64.
New York ( 24)
–16 UPI. “East won’t cool off much before Tuesday.” Sunday Sun, Lowell, MA, 7-12-1981, A6.[22]
–24 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Albany County. Male, 45-54.
–4 Bronx County. Males, 15-19, 35-44, 55-64, 65-74.
–3 Kings County. Female, 55-64. Males, 65-74, 85+.
–1 Nassau County. Female, 85+.
–4 New York Co. Females, 65-74, 85+. Males, 75-84 (2).
–5 Queens County. Females, 55-64, 65-74. Males, 55-64, 85+.
–2 Richmond Co. Females, 65-74, 75-84.
–3 Westchester Co. Females, 75-84. Males, 55-64, 65-74.
–1 Yates County. Male, 55-64.
North Carolina ( 15)
–12 Mirabelli and Richardson. “Heat-Related Fatalities in North Carolina.” AJPH, 4-2005.[23]
–15 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Alamance County. Male, 45-54/
–1 Caldwell County. Female, 65-74.
–1 Cleveland County . Male, 55-64.
–1 Craven County. Male, 35-44.
–1 Cumberland County. Male, 25-34.
–1 Edgecombe County. Female, 35-44.
–1 Gates County. Male, 20-24.
–3 Mecklenburg County. Females, 45-54, 55-64. Male, 55-64.
–1 Nash County. Male, 25-34.
–1 Onslow County. Male, 25-34.
–1 Pitt County. Male, 75-84.
–1 Rockingham County. Female, 45-54.
–1 Sampson County. Male, age not stated.
North Dakota ( 2)
–2 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Griggs County. Male, 65-74.
–1 Stutsman County. Male, 55-64.
Ohio ( 20)
–20 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Butler County. Female, 45-54.
–3 Cuyahoga County. Males, 45-54, 65-74 (2).
–1 Delaware County. Female, 75-84.
–6 Hamilton County. Female, 85+. Males, 35-44 (3), 55-64, 65-74.
–1 Jackson County. Female, 45-54.
–1 Jefferson County. Male, 65-74.
–1 Lawrence County. Male, 75-84.
–1 Montgomery County. Male, 85+.
–1 Richland County. Male, 25-34.
–1 Sandusky County. Male, 75-84.
–1 Stark County. Male, 45-54.
–2 Summit County. Female, 85+. Male, 55-64.
Oklahoma ( 80)
–80 “ McManus, Gary (OK Climatological Survey). “The Heatwave of 1980.” 7-26-2010.
–37 “ Nielsen-Gammon/Johnson. Texas and Oklahoma’s Greatest Hits, Sec. 1, Apr 2004.
–37 “ July. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 20.
–80 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 1 Adair County. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Beckham Co. Male, 65-74.
— 2 Bryan County. Female, 45-54. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Caddo County. Male, 75-84.
— 3 Carter County. Males, 45-54, 55-64, 75-84.
— 7 Comanche Co. Females, 65-74 (2), 75-84, 85+. Males, <1, 55-65, 75-84.
–1 Fort Sill, ~June 30. Young army officer; collapsed on a training field.[24]
–1 Lawton, late June. Boy, one-year-old, in grandmother’s home.[25]
— 1 Craig County. Female, 65-74.
— 4 Creek County. Females, 65-74, 75-84. Males, 45-54, 55-64.
— 1 Custer County. Female, 75-84.
— 2 Garfield Co. Males, 35-44, 55-64.
— 2 Grady County. Females, 55-64, 65-74.
— 1 Hughes County. Female, 55-64.
— 1 Jefferson Co. Female, 75-84.
— 1 Kingfisher Co. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Kiowa County. Female, 75-84.
— 3 Le Flore Co. Female, 75-84. Males, 65-74, 75-84. — 1 Major County. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Murray County. Female, 75-84.
— 9 Muskogee Co. Females 25-34, 45-54, 65-74 (2).
Males, 55-64 (2), 65-74, 75-84, 85+.
— 1 Noble County. Female, 65-74.
— 1 Nowata County. Male, 45-54.
— 9 Oklahoma Co. Females, 35-44, 65-74, 75-84 (2).
Males, 25-34, 35-44, 75-74, 75-84 (2).
— 1 Ottawa County. Male, 55-64.
— 2 Payne County. Males, 35-44, 75-84.
— 1 Pittsburg Co. Male, 55-64.
— 2 Pottawatomie Co. Female, 85+. Male, 85+.
— 2 Rogers County. Female, 85+. Male, 55-64.
— 1 Stephens Co. Male, 65-74.
— 1 Tillman County. Male, 35-44.
–14 Tulsa County. Females, 35-44. 55-64 (2), 65-74 (2).
Males, 45-54, 55-64 (2), 65-74 (4), 75-84, 85+.
— 1 Woods County. Male, 25-34.
Oregon ( 2)
–2 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Clackamas County. Female, 65-74.
–1 Umatilla County. Male, 55-64.
Pennsylvania ( 20)
–20 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
— 1 Allegheny County. Female, 65-74.
— 1 Berks County. Male, 75-84.
— 1 Lawrence County. Female, 65-74.
— 1 Lebanon County. Female, 45-54.
— 1 Luzerne County. Female, 75-84.
— 3 Montgomery County. Female, 75-84. Males, 65-74, 75-84.
–11 Philadelphia County. Females, 65-74, 75-84, 85+.
Males, 25-34 (2), 45-54 (3), 55-64, 65-74 (2).
— 1 Westmoreland County. Male, 45-54.
Rhode Island ( 1)
–1 Providence Co., Male, 65-74. CDC WONDER Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998.
South Carolina ( 18)
–18 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Charleston County. Female, 55-64.
–1 Chesterfield County. Male, 65-74.
–1 Clarendon County. Male, 65-74.
–1 Edgefield County. Male, 45-54.
–4 Greenville County. Females, 45-54, 75-84. Males, 45-54, 55-65.
–1 Jasper County. Male, 65-74.
–2 Laurens County. Males, 55-65, 65-74.
–1 Lee County. Male, 45-54.
–2 Oconee County. Males, 45-54, 65-74.
–4 Richland County. Females, 55-64, 75-84 Males, 20-24, 45-54.
South Dakota ( 1)
–1 Shannon Co. Male, 65-74. CDC WONDER. Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
Tennessee (172-192) [Difference is range for Shelby County (68-88).]
–156 State. Coggins. Tennessee Tragedies: Natural, Technological and Societal… 2011, 4.
–153 “ July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
–121 State. Blanchard tally based on CDC WONDER and NCDC Storm Data breakouts.
–104 St. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
Breakout of Tennessee heat-related fatalities by locality where noted:
— 1 Anderson Co., July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 2 Bedford County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Bedford Co. Female, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Benton County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 2 Blount County. Female, 65-74. Male, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Carroll County. Male, 65-74. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Carroll Co., July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Claiborne County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Coffee County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 2 Crockett County. Female, 75-84. Male, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
–10 Davidson County. Females, 45-54, 65-74, 75-84 (3). CDC WONDER.
Males, 35-44, 55-64 (2), 65-74, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
–7 Davidson County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 2 Dyer County. Female, 45-54. Male, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 2 Fayette County. Female, 65-74. Male, 65-74. CDC WONDER.
–2 Fayette County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Franklin County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 3 Gibson County. Females, 55-64, 85+. Male, 65-74. CDC WONDER.
–1 Gibson Co., July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 3 Giles County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
–1 Giles County. Male, 35-44. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Grundy County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
–1 Grundy County. Female, 65-74. CDC WONDER.
–18 Hamilton County. Females, 45-54, 55-64 (3), 65-74 (2), 75-84 (7). CDC WONDER.
Males, 45-54, 75-84 (3), 85+. CDC WONDER.
–15 Hamilton County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Hardeman County. Female, 65-74. CDC WONDER.
— 4 Hardin County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Haywood County. Female, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
–1 Haywood Co., July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Henderson County. Male, 35-44. CDC WONDER.
–1 Henderson Co., July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 3 Jefferson County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Knox County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 2 Lake County. Male, 45-54, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
–1 Lake Co., July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Lauderdale County. Male, 25-34. CDC WONDER.
–1 Lauderdale Co., July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Loudon County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 3 Macon County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
–11 Madison County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
–7 Madison County. Females, 35-44, 65-74, 75-84 (2), 85+. Males, 75-84, 85+. CDC.
— 1 Marion County. Male, age not noted. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Marshall County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 2 Maury County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
–1 Maury County. Male, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Meigs County. Male, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Monroe County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Montgomery County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 3 Obion County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
–1 Obion County. Female, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Rhea County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Roane County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Robertson County. Female, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 2 Rutherford County. Males, 55-64, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 3 Scott County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
–88 Shelby Co., Memphis. Coggins. Tennessee Tragedies: Natural, Technological… 2011, 4.
–83 Shelby Co., Memphis. Applegate, et al. “Analysis…1980 heat…Memphis. JAGS. 8-1981.
–68 Shelby County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
–38 Shelby Co. Females, 45-54, 55-64 (4), 65-74 (3), 75-84 (6), 85+ (5), 1 not stated.
Males, 25-34, 35-44 (2), 45-54 (2), 55-64 (4), 65-74 (2) 75-84 (6), 85+.
— 3 Sullivan County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Tipton County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Unicoi County. Female, 85+. CDC WONDER.
–1 Unicoi Co., July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
— 1 Warren County. Male, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Wilson County, July 1-21. NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 21.
Texas ( 140)
–140 Blanchard tally based on combination of CDC Wonder, NCDC Storm Data, and UPI.
–108 St. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–107 May-Sep. Greenberg. “The Epidemiology of Heat-Related Deaths, Texas…” 1983, 805.
–105 State. Sequin Gazette Enterprise, TX. “Did Allen blow away heat wave?” 8-13-1980, 1.
— 98 State, July. Review of the News, Vol. 16, No. 31, July 30, 1980, p. 3.
–>70 Nielsen-Gammon and Johnson. Texas and Oklahoma’s Greatest Hits. Sec. 1. April 2004.
—>60 Falk and Christmas (NWS). An Intense Heat Checklist Based on the 1980 Heat Wave. P1.
Breakout of Texas heat-related deaths by locality where noted.
— 4 Anderson County. Females, 35-44, 85+. Males, 45-54, 85+. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Aransas County, July. Heatstroke, elderly person. NCDC, Storm Data, 22/7, July 1980, 22.
— 2 Bell County. Males, 65-74, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 3 Bexar County. Females, 75-84 (2). Male, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Cameron County. Male, 45-54. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Cass County. Female, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
— 2 Collin County. Males, 65-74, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 2 Colorado County. Female, 75-84. Male, <1 year. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Cooke County. Female, 45-54.
— 1 Crane County. Male, 25-34. CDC WONDER.
–52 Dallas, by July 6. Heat-related, 14 of which were heat stroke deaths.[26]
–22 Dallas County. Females, 45-54, 55-64 (3), 65-74 (2), 75-84, 85+. CDC Wonder.
Males, 1-4, 20-24, 35-44 (2), 45-54 (4), 65-74 (3), 76-84 (3). CDC.
–17 Dallas. NYT. “8-day Heat Wave Claims 20 Victims in Texas and OK.” 7-14-1996.[27]
–1 ~June 26. Heatstroke; male, 78.[28]
–1 ~June 28. Female, 49. AP. “Scorching Heat…” NW Ark. Times, 6-29-1980, 1.[29]
–1 July 6. Heatstroke; female, 64; lived alone in home with no AC.[30]
— 2 Deaf Smith County. Female, 75-84. Male, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Dickens County. Female, 85+. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Eastland County. Male, 65-74. CDC WONDER.
— 1 El Paso County. Male, 45-54. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Freestone County. Female, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Galveston County. Male, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Gray County. Female, 10-14. CDC WONDER.
— 3 Grayson County. Males, 45-54, 75-84 (2). CDC WONDER.
— 2 Gregg County. Males, 45-54 (2). CDC WONDER.
— 1 Guadalupe County. Male, 65-74. CDC WONDER.
— 2 Hardeman County. Males, 45-54, 65-74. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Hardin County. Male, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
— 6 Harris County. Male, <1, 35-44 (2), 45-54 (2), 55-64. CDC WONDER.
–1 Harris Co., Houston, July. Young man working outdoor construction site. NCDC.[31]
— 1 Harrison County. Female, 65-74. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Hays County. Female, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Hill County. Male, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Hopkins County. Male, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
— 2 Jefferson County. Female, 55-64. Male, 65-74. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Karnes County. Female, 85+. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Kaufman County. Male, 85+. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Lampasas County. Male, 35-44. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Leon County. Male, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
— 3 Montgomery County. Males, 64-74, 85+. CDC WONDER.
— 3 Montgomery Co., July. Elderly persons. NCDC Storm Data, 22/7, July 1980, 22.
— 1 Morris County. Male, 25-34. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Orange County. Female, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 3 Parker County. Males, 45-54, 55-64, 85+. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Red River County. Male, 65-74. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Reeves County. Female, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Smith County. Female, 45-54. CDC WONDER.
–12 Tarrant County. Females, <1, 55-64 (2), 75-84, 85+. CDC WONDER.
Males, 1-4, 20-24, 35-44 (3), 65-74, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
–1 Fort Worth, Tarrant County, ~June 26. Heat exhaustion; male, working outside.[32]
— 1 Tom Green County. Female, 85+. CDC WONDER.
— 5 Travis County. Female, 65-74. Males, 45-54, 75-84 (2). CDC WONDER.
–1 Travis Co., Austin, June 27. Female, 73. AP[33]
–3 Travis Co., Austin area, July. Heatstrokes, elderly. NCDC, Storm Data, 22/7, July 1980, 22.
— 1 Upshur County. Female, 85+. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Val Verde County. Female, 85+. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Waller County. Male, 75-84. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Washington County. Male, 35-44. CDC WONDER.
— 1 Webb Co., Laredo, July. Heatstroke, elderly. NCDC, Storm Data, 22/7, July 1980, p. 22.
— 1 Wilson County. Female, 65-74. CDC WONDER.
— 2 Wood County. Female, 85+. Male, 55-64. CDC WONDER.
Utah ( 1)
–1 Utah County. Female, 1-4. CDC WONDER. Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998.
Vermont ( 1)
–1 Windham County, Male, 55-64. CDC WONDER. Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998.
Virginia ( 12)
–12 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Caroline County. Male, 35-44.
–1 Carroll County. Male, 65-74.
–3 Fairfax County. Females, 65-74, 75-84. Male, 45-54.
–2 Norfolk City. Males, 25-34, 75-84.
–4 Richmond City. Males, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74.
–1 Richmond County. Female, 85+.
Washington ( 3)
–3 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–2 King County. Female, 65-74. Male, 15-18.
–1 Skagit County. Male, 20-24.
West Virginia ( 5)
–5 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–1 Braxton County. Male, 65-74.
–1 Harrison County. Male, 45-54.
–1 Morgan County. Male, 75-84.
–1 Ohio County. Female, 85+.
–1 Wood County. Female, 25-34.
Wisconsin ( 4)
–4 State. CDC WONDER. ICD-9 E900 search, Compressed Mortality File 1979-1998 Results.
–2 Brown County. Females, 85+.
–1 Marquette Co. Female, 75-84.
–1 Racine County. Female, under one-year-old.
Narrative Information — General
Avery: “The Associated Press. Washington — This summer’s stifling temperatures threaten to exact a higher death toll than the 1980 heat wave that killed an estimated 15,000 Americans, an authority on health and the environment said Tuesday. ‘This will probably emerge as one of the largest natural disasters of this century,” said W. Moulton Avery, executive director of the Center
for Environmental Physiology in Washington.
“”If I had in my hand right now the number of people that have died this summer (from heat) it would be front-page news all over the country, but I don’t have that number,” Avery said in a telephone interview. That is because most heat-related deaths go unreported, being blamed on heart attacks, stroke and other factors, said Avery, whose nonprofit center researches the effects of heat and cold on humans for government agencies and other clients.
“The 1980 heat wave — which was not as severe as that now baking much of the nation — was later calculated to have led to 15,000 more deaths than would have been expected in a normal summer, Avery said….
“Heat-caused deaths do not arouse the concern they should because a uniform reporting system has not been established, Avery said. As a result, only classic cases of heat stroke get officially reported as heat deaths, and those amount to perhaps 200 in a normal summer and 1,500 to 1,600 in a hot summer like 1980, he explained.
“Still not attributed to the heat are the thousands of temperature-induced heart attacks, strokes and other fatal ailments. They are only measured later, when deaths in the hot years can be compared to more normal ones and the excess calculated.” (Avery, W. Moulton in Associated Press. “Heat expected to increase death rate.” New Mexican, Santa Fe. 8-17-1988, A2.)
Namias: “In the summer of 1980 a protracted heat wave and associated drought affected the Central and Southern Plains of the United States. A meteorological event of this magnitude had not occurred over the Great Plains since 1952-54, and before that not since the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s, especially in 1934 and 1936….” (Namias, Jerome. “Anatomy of Great Plains Protracted Heat Waves…” Monthly Weather Review, Vol. 110, July 1982, p. 824.)
NCDC: “1980 Drought/Heat Wave – June-September 1980. Central and eastern U.S.; estimated $20.0 (48.4) billion damage/costs to agriculture and related industries; estimated 10,000 deaths (includes heat stress-related).” (National Climatic Data Center (Neal Lott and Tom Ross). A Climatology of 1980-2003 Extreme Weather and Climate Events.)
US Senate: “In July 1980, almost half of the United States was hit by a heat wave. Thousands of older Americans lost their lives. The magnitude of that natural disaster shocked the Nation, and prompted the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging to hold a joint hearing with the Subcommittee on Aging of the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources on July 25, 1980. Grim testimony presented at the hearing not only emphasized the heavy price we paid in human lives and suffering, but also demonstrated how unprepared our communities were for that heat wave. The Committee on Aging is concerned in particular for the safety and welfare of vulnerable older Americans…. [p. iii]
“Prolonged periods of very hot weather-heat waves-claim more lives nationally than any other natural disaster, including floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Between 1963 and 1966, two national heat waves claimed over 11,000 lives. Over 20 States suffered from a 3-month heat wave in 1980. Mortality data for the 1980 heat wave must still be fully analyzed, but preliminary evidence suggests more than 10,000 heat-related fatalities….
“Older people are primary victims of heat waves. A recent Center for Disease Control study of the 1980 heat wave found heatstroke rates in persons 65 or older to be 12 or 13 times higher than the rate for the remainder of the population.
“Several factors contribute to this increased vulnerability to heat stress, including: Less cardiovascular stamina; heart damage; less responsive blood vessels; underlying diseases; and a decreased ability to sweat. Older citizens use more prescription medications, many of which increase the risk of heat-related medical problems…. [p. 1]
“Concrete, asphalt, and masonry retain heat; dense concentration of buildings restrict airflow. These conditions combine to create a “heatisland” effect in urban environments-and a much higher level of heat stress than that found in suburban or rural areas…. [p. 2]
“According to data supplied by NOAA’s Center for Environmental Assessment Service, electricity consumption for cooling increased by $1.4 billion during the summer of 1980. Obviously, the cost of keeping cool adversely affects low-income individuals who have reduced access to good housing, air-conditioning, medical care, and other supportive services.
“Testimony before the Aging Committee by Peggy Edmiston, director of health and public safety for Shelby County, Tenn., illustrated this point. Edmiston’s comments focused on the tragic plight of the elderly poor:
The heat crisis brought to our attention hundreds of poor elderly not previously known by health and social agencies. These persons, living in un-air-conditioned, unventilated facilities were confused, oftentimes did not know who they were, hungry, without proper clothing, and many incontinent. The majority had medical problems, but did not have a doctor, and many had not been seen in a clinic or by a physician for over 1 year.
“During the 1980 heat wave, even elderly with access to air-conditioning used it sparingly, if at all, fearful of high utility bills. In the case of the elderly poor-with few having access to air-conditioning, and many without even cooling fan-the dilemma was magnified.
“Witnesses at the committee’s joint hearing on the 1980 heat wave reported case after case of victims found in homes with fans or air conditioners unplugged. Long-term care facilities were not immune to the increase in electrical costs. One nursing home in Missouri was given 18 fans during the 1980 heat wave, but used them for only a portion of each day, stating that the cost of continuous operation was more than they could afford.
“A major issue in national public policy debates on energy assistance is the necessity for air-conditioning. Many public officials argue it is a luxury which should be exempted from public support…. [p. 3]
“During the 1980 heat wave, several St. Louis hospitals without air conditioning requested emergency assistance from the U.S. Air Force and Army Reserve to secure portable units. In testimony before the committee, Hon. James F. Conway, mayor of St. Louis, said the situation was so urgent that air-conditioners were flown in from New York by the National Guard…. [p.4]
“…Dixie Matthews, director of the Central Arkansas Area Agency on Aging in Little Rock, testified that:
Some elderly have had their homes weatherized for winter and their windows are permanently puttied shut. Or they are afraid to remove plastic weather-stripping for fear of being unable to afford replacement cost for bitter cold winter weather.
“Senator Jim Sasser reported:
Older people in some areas are afraid to open their windows for ventilation, for fear of being burglarized. In one particularly tragic incident, an older resident of a Memphis housing project was robbed of $91 during the heat crisis. The next night, fear of robbers led her to keep her windows closed. She died during the night, apparently because of the heat. [p. 4.]
“…The most dangerous heat wave conditions occur when there is no relief from the heat; when both night- and daytime temperatures remain above 90′ F, and when the humidity is also high. Vulnerable people are quickly worn down under these conditions, and techniques that reduce heat stress can mean the difference between life and death. Any relief from the heat is beneficial, and the combined effects of several cooling techniques can substantially reduce the overall burden on the body…. [p. 5]
“No planning for heat waves took place in advance of the summer of 1980. The Nation was taken by surprise. Unaware of the environmental danger, uninformed about the special vulnerability of the elderly, and lacking specific emergency plans, State and local governments could not deal effectively with the crisis. By the time authorities realized the magnitude of the problem, thousands had died. As one community leader who testified at the joint hearing said:
We were totally unprepared to deal with the problem. People started dying around us. Ironically, our emergency plan addresses flood, tornado, and fire. There is no mention of drought.
“As the heat wave progressed, Federal funds were authorized for cooling assistance. Many communities instituted electric fan distribution programs and opened emergency relief centers where vulnerable individuals could seek refuge from the unremitting heat.
“The benefit of these emergency measures was no doubt substantial, but they were no match for the severity of the heat wave. The grim testimony of witness after witness at the joint hearing confirmed that thousands of elderly were either unaware that assistance was available, or were unable to secure help in time. Thousands more, particularly in urban areas, were simply unwilling or unable to leave their homes when relief centers opened. The net result was a catastrophic loss of life during what may well emerge as one of the largest natural disasters of the century…. [pp. 7-8]
Community Planning
“Development of planned community responses to heat waves must be given top priority. Rapid response capability in dangerous hot weather conditions is vital. It is particularly important that emergency plans be understood and accepted by older people in the community. What good are emergency relief centers if the vulnerable elderly are unwilling to leave their homes? Likewise, the distribution of fans or other cooling devices will have little value if the fear of high bills restricts their use.
“High risk individuals and the networks and institutions which serve them must be identified and they must be intimately involved in the educational and planning process. Health care, aging, weather service, emergency management, public safety, social service, agricultural extension, and energy professionals all have a valuable role to play in this process…. [p. 8]
Warning System
“We need a warning system to alert communities about the onset of dangerously hot weather. Communities were initially unaware of the danger during the summer of 1980 and valuable time was lost. Severe weather warnings are presently issued for many natural weather phenomena, including tornadoes and hurricanes, but not for heat.
Mortality Assessment
“Today, nearly 3 years after the Great Heat Wave of 1980, detailed mortality statistics are unavailable. How many lives were lost and which cities were hardest hit are still unknown.
“We need a national system for rapid assessment of total heat wave mortality. Such a system is vital to the process of assessing the severity of a great national heat wave while it is in progress, and for promptly determining the cost in human life when the heat wave has broken. It would also serve to clarify the national view of hot weather disasters, and provide timely and valuable information for public health research. Such a system should focus on excess deaths from all causes rather than heatstroke deaths alone.
Education
“A major obstacle to the promise that education holds for reducing heat wave deaths among the elderly is the profound shortage and limited distribution of information on heat stress. While much has been done to remedy this situation in recent years, it is not enough. Despite recent efforts, most people are still unaware of how lethal hot weather can be, and few are familiar with the concepts of prevention. Our uninformed older citizens will be easy prey for the next heat wave unless we do far more to educate them about the danger….
National Mortality in 1980
“Over 20 States were hit by the 1980 heat wave. These are ranked below according to preliminary mortality data available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Center for Environmental Assessment Service. States are ranked in order of the
number of fatalities experienced during the heat wave. This ranking was based on heatstroke deaths, a system which understates the total number of excess deaths which occur as a result of heat waves: (1) Missouri, (2) Tennessee, (3) Alabama, (4) Texas, (5) Arkansas, (6) Georgia, (7) Illinois, (8) Kansas, (9) Mississippi, (10) Florida, (11) Oklahoma, (12) Louisiana, (13) Kentucky, (14) Indiana, (15) Nebraska, (16) South Carolina, (17) Iowa, (18) North Carolina, (19) Virginia, and (20) Arizona. [p. 9]
“NOTE: During August and September, the heat wave hit many mid-Atlantic and New England States which do not appear in the above listing. At the time of this publication, mortality data for the 1980 heat wave was unavailable for the following States: Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Mortality statistics were recently obtained by this committee for New York City, and the number of fatalities is high enough to rank it 13th on the list of affected States. Clearly this region experienced a substantial mortality which remains to be defined…. [p. 10]
The Heat Wave of 1980 (A) Description
“Temperatures began exceeding 1000 F in southwest Texas on June 10, and the ensuing string of hot days broke 16 daily maximum temperature records at El Paso. This severe heat, spreading northward from Mexico, initiated the first heat wave stage. Beginning about June 23, 1000 temperatures encompassed the rest of Texas and intruded into surrounding States to the north and east. By the first week of July, the center of the heat wave had progressed northward into Oklahoma, and during the second week of the month, the center moved northeastward to Missouri, with most of the central third of the country experiencing 1000 temperatures. During mid-July the heat wave spread eastward to the Ohio Valley, but by July 21, a cold front had pushed southward into Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri and eastward toward the east coast, bringing rain and cooler air to much of the affected region. Temperatures in most of the heat-wave-affected areas dropped to near or slightly above normal during the week ending July 27. However, these temperatures lasted only a short while, for, with the commencement of the second heat wave stage on August 3, temperatures returned to their original intense levels and expanded throughout much of the Eastern United States. A sharp temperature drop occurred during the week ending August 17, but it was short-lived. The following 3 weeks (ending September 7) showed a return to the heat wave pattern. Average monthly temperatures for August were the hottest ever recorded at some locations, and the first week of September saw temperatures 90 F above normal over parts of the Central and Eastern States.
“Temperature records were shattered in over a half-dozen States, with many cities setting all-time record highs. On one day (July 13), three cities in the Southeast simultaneously broke their all-time maximum temperature records, with Augusta, Atlanta, and Memphis recording 1070, 1050, and 1080, respectively. In Texas, Dallas temperatures reached 1000 each day from June 23 through August 3, and no appreciable rain fell in the State from June 22 throughout July 19…. [p. 10] (United States Senate, Special Committee on Aging. Heat stress and older Americans: Problems and Solutions. Washington, DC: GPO, July 1983.)
VonAllmen: “Participating medical examiners furnished baseline data consisting of tabulated total deaths, by day of report, for June, July…August of 1979 and 1980 and for June of 1981…. Initially (mid-July 1981), nine cities (Kansas City, Memphis, Charlotte, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Birmingham) had furnished baseline data…. At that time, medical examiners in several cities were reporting current deaths but had not furnished baseline data. By early August, 13 cities were participating fully, and in early September, three additional cities were enrolled and supplied complete data sets for the summers of 1979, 1980, and 1981….
”In Kansas City, Memphis, Dallas, Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, New York, and Philadelphia, all those cities with daily departures from the mean temperature that were greater in July 1980 than in July 1979, a larger number of medical-examiner-reported (MER) deaths were reported for July 1980 than for July 1979… This observation was also true relative to July 1981, another non-heat-wave month. The first five of these cities had a heat wave in July 1980, with daily mean temperatures averaging more than 7.0F above the 30-year mean. In these five cities, MER deaths showed an average increase of 75% over July 1979 and 51% over July 1981… daily cumulative reports of MER deaths during the 1980 heat wave in St. Louis, Kansas City (Missouri), and Memphis showed a large heat-related effect.” (VonAllmen 1983)
Newspapers
July 30, Capital Times: “By Virginia Mayo, Capital Times Staff Writer.
“Although the severe heat wave being experienced in the south-central portion of the United Stales is taking the highest toll in lives lost among senior citizens, none of the existing federal energy aid programs are designed to provide assistance.
“Two U.S. Senate committees, the Special Committee on Aging and the Labor and Human Resources’ Subcommittee on Aging, will recommend to the House Appropriations Committee that unspent 1980 energy assistance funds, originally earmarked for heating assistance, be rechanneled to assist senior citizens and others to pay cooling bills.
“In addition, according to aging committee staffer Debby Kilmer, an amendment to the windfall profits tax bill will be introduced this week by U.S. Sen. Lloyd Benston, D-Tex., which would make it easier for assistance funds to be spent for cooling needs. Currently, funds for cooling are limited to those instances where there is a medical need for the cooling. The Benston amendment would take into consideration temperature and humidity and the length of time such weather stayed in a particular area.
“Kilmer said Benston’s proposal could be beneficial to cold-weather states like Wisconsin, since it is possible hot temperatures could shift farther north this year or next.
“Kilmer said committee members were told last week that keeping senior citizens’ homes cool could be just as important as keeping them warm in the winter. The average of the 2,000-plus people who have died as a result of the heat wave is 70.
“Even when fans and air conditioners were available to senior citizens, many chose not to use them for fear of what the increased usage would do to utility bills, Kilmer added.
“While emergency financial assistance is expected to flow into the heat wave region with little opposition, Kilmer said cold weather states are expected to lobby against any energy assistance changes that would shift the emphasis of federal programs away from heating.
“The major question that still remains unanswered is how much money will eventually be earmarked for cooling. Kilmer said the 1980 congressional spending limit for all energy assistance programs is $1.8 billion. A shifting of those funds from one program to another is expected.” (Capital Times, Madison, WI. “Energy aid to elderly asked for cooling bills.” 7-30-1980, 3.)
Oct 16: “Washington (AP) — The summer heat wave of 1980 was one of the deadliest of this century, killing 1,265 people, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports. The heat wave that came boiling out of the Southwest in June and clung on into September into the East and Midwest also caused $20 billion in damage, the weather agency said Wednesday [Oct 15]….By comparison, in a normal year about 175 Americans succumb to the stress of summer heat. The NOAA said that most of those who died from the heat this summer were either elderly or poor and lived in homes or apartments that were not air-conditioned….” (Associated Press, Washington. “Heat Wave Worst of the Century.” Ottawa Herald, KS. 10-16-1980, p. 10.)
Narrative Information by States
Alabama
NCDC on July 5-19 Alabama Heat Wave: “During a two week period, the state experienced the worst heat wave in 28 years, and in some sections the worst of record. Although previous all-time maximum temperatures were not broken in most places, many new daily records were set and the persistence of afternoon temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, combined with relatively high humidities and nighttime temperatures, produced an enormous impact on the state’s people, crops, and livestock. Heat-related deaths were estimated at 120. More than 200,000 chickens died and egg production was reduced by 25 percent. The corn crop was reduced by nearly half and the production of hay, soybeans, vegetables and other produce was severely affected….” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 1.)
Arkansas
NCDC on Arkansas Heat Wave, Mid-June to Mid-September: “The summer of 1980 was the hottest and driest on record in Arkansas. The heat wave started in earnest the 24th of June when Waldron (Scott County) was the first place in the state to report a 100 degree temperature. The highest temperature recorded was 113 degrees at Alicia (Lawrence County) on the 16th of July. The temperature reached or exceeded 100 degrees on 41 days in Little Rock. Little Rock reported 20 consecutive days (June 30 – July 19) with maximums of 100 degrees or more with ten of those days’ maximums (July 9 – July 18) being 105 degrees or more. This broke the old record of ten consecutive days of 100 degrees or more maximums that was set back in 1954….
“One hundred thirty-six deaths were related directly to the heat. The heat was also a contributing factor in twelve more deaths. Percentages of heat-related deaths by age group were: ages 14 and under – 1%, ages 15-24 – 1%, ages 24-34 – 3%, ages 35 to 44 – 4%, ages 45 to 54 – 10%, ages 55 to 64 – 19%, ages 65 to 74 – 26%, ages 75 to 84 – 23%, and ages 85 and above – 13%.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 9, Sep 1980, p. 2.)
Georgia
NCDC on July Heatwave in Georgia: “An area of high pressure entrenched over the Southeastern U.S. throughout most of the month produced temperatures much above normal for the entire state most of the month. Average daily temperatures for the month were 5 to 10 degrees above normal statewide. Temperatures climbed above 100° mark at least 5 times in nearly all portions in the central part of the state where several readings near 110° were reported. The State Civil Defense did not keep record of the amount of deaths until July 18th by which time they concluded that 62 persons had already died. The total number of deaths for the month was 91. The most deaths (twenty) occurred in the Columbus area (Muscogee County).” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 5.)
NCDC on August Heatwave in Georgia: “A persistent ridge of high pressure over the Southeastern U.S. during most of the month produced much above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation for the entire state. Temperatures climbed to above 100° mark on at least 3 occasions statewide, except for the mountains. The State Civil Defense placed the number of heat related deaths for the month at 5.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 8, Aug 1980, p. 4.)
Illinois
NCDC on Illinois Drought and Heat, July 1-Aug 31: “Below normal rainfall and extremely high temperatures damaged crops in the southern counties and damaged road pavement. Corn was burnt and kept from pollinating and soybeans were kept from blossoming. In Washington County 510,000 head of cattle were killed by the hot dry weather. Around 80 counties out of the 101 counties in Illinois were affected.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 8, Aug 1980, p. 6.)
Kansas
Dec 31: “Topeka, Kan. (AP) — A deadly summer heat wave and the record turnout of voters in the general election have been voted the top news stories of 1990 in Kansas by Associated Press newspaper and broadcast editors. The heat wave — marked by about three weeks of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees — was a two-to-one choice as the most significant story of the year in Kansas! More than 130 deaths in the state were attributed to one of the worst heat waves in Kansas history, and crop losses were estimated at $750 million. The intense heat and drought reduced the state’s groundwater supplies.” (Associated Press. “Heat tops Kansas news.” Garden City Telegram, KS. 12-31-1980, 25.)
Louisiana
NCDC on July 1-16 Louisiana Heat Wave: “A heat wave which began in Texas and spread into Louisiana the latter part of June with temperatures between 100° and 110° claimed an estimated 24 lives in all sections of Louisiana before beginning to ease by mid-July. Most victims succumbed to heat stroke or heat exhaustion. The majority of them were elderly people in homes with no means of relieving the heat. Numerous persons were also treated for heat stroke around the state. Agricultural losses due to the accompanying drought and heat are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Crops of rice, sugar cane, soybeans, and cotton were affected in addition to the poultry industry.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 11.)
Mississippi
June 28, 1988: “In 1980, Jones Countians experienced a heat wave which was reported to have caused complications contributing to two deaths and 10 heat-related illnesses. During most of that July, the temperature persistently scaled 100 degrees with no relief from rain. Local doctors urged residents not to exert themselves excessively and to seek immediate treatment for any symptoms which may result from the heat.” (Laurel Leader-Call (Gwen Posey), MS. “Temperature reaches 100, little relief in sight.” 6-28-1988, p. 1.)
Missouri:
City of KC, MO: “Heat Wave – Summer of 1980. High temperatures that persisted day and night led to an estimated 136 heat related deaths. The KCI airport recorded 17 consecutive days with temperatures in excess f 100 degrees.” (City of Kansas City, MO. Emergency Management History (website). “Disasters.”)
Jones, et al. Abstract: “The morbidity and mortality associated with the 1980 heat wave in St Louis and Kansas City, Mo, were assessed retrospectively. Heat-related illness and deaths were identified by review of death certificates and hospital, emergency room, and medical examiners’ records in the two cities. Data from the July 1980 heat wave were compared with data from July 1978 and 1979, when there were no heat waves. Deaths from all causes in July 1980 increased by 57% and 64% in St Louis and Kansas City, respectively, but only 10% in the predominantly rural areas of Missouri. About one of every 1,000 residents of the two cities was hospitalized for or died of heat-related illness. Incidence rates (per 100,000) of heatstroke, defined as severe heat illness with documented hyperthermia, were 26.5 and 17.6 for St Louis and Kansas City, respectively. No heatstroke cases occurred in July 1979. Heatstroke rates were ten to 12 times higher for persons aged 65 years or older than for those younger than 65 years. The ratios of age-adjusted heatstroke rates were approximately 3:1 for nonwhite v white persons and about 6:1 for low v high socioeconomic status. Public health preventive measures in future heat waves should be directed toward the urban poor, the elderly, and persons of other-than-white races.” (Jones, T.S. et al. “Morbidity and mortality associated with the July 1980 heat wave in St Louis and Kansas City, Mo.” JAMA, 247 (24), 6-25-1982, pp. 3327-3331.)
Roe: “The city’s most severe heat wave since 1936 occurred in 1980. Roughly 40 percent of residents still did not have air conditioning, and the Kansas City metropolitan area suffered a shocking 176 heat-related deaths. Unlike 1934, 1936, and 1954, many locals feared spending the night in the parks because of the potential for crime. The tragedy became clear at the peak of the heat wave, when rescue crews discovered bodies at the rate of one per hour. Many area hospitals, morgues, and mortuaries were literally overwhelmed with victims. In the 44 years since Kansas City’s highest single-day temperature, human ingenuity still could not mitigate the effects of a severe heat wave. It is a lesson that the city has had to learn repeatedly, even though temperatures have never again reached the 113 degree mark set on August 14, 1936.” (Roe, Jason (Kansas City Public Library, MO). “Heat Wave.” Accessed 9-24-2015.)
July 31: “Washington (AP) – The attitudes and conditions of many victims of this month’s heat wave prevented public and private agencies from doing any more than they did to reduce the death toll, the medical examiner for Jackson County, Mo., says. “Many of the fatalities were in such a high risk group and so elderly that they might have been expected to die in a short period of time even without the heat wave,” said Dr. Bonita Peterson, whose county was among the hardest hit by the high temperatures. “Some of them chose not to leave their homes for air-conditioned shelters, not to open windows for adequate ventilation and not to use fans and air conditioners even when they had them,” Dr. Peterson said. “If they could have been identified early enough and herded-into shelters like cattle, they could have survived,” she said. “But you can’t do that. Consequently, the fittest Survive and the weakest died.”
“Kansas City, Mo., most of which is in Jackson County, recorded at least 135 heat-related deaths
During the first 3½ weeks of July, the highest single-city toll of the heat wave. Between 70 and 80 percent of the victims were over 65 years old.
“Across the state-of Missouri, some 310 heat-related deaths occurred this month and more than 300 more are believed to have been aggravated by the heat.
“Dr. Peterson testified before the House Education and Labor subcommittee on human resources
Wednesday on the type of assistance needed during heat emergencies. The heat wave broke July 21 after 17 straight days of 100 degree temperatures, but temperatures were back over 100 again
Wednesday with 35 mile-an-hour winds.
“Shortly after, that hearing, the Senate voted to free up $21 million in federal aid for the hardest hit states. Those funds still need the approval of the House. “If- the goal (of public assistance) is to minimize the loss of life in a heat wave emergency,” Dr. Peterson told the subcommittee, ”there is a need for quick assurance of available public funds because the need is immediate and
critical, not two weeks later.”
“Dr. Peterson and other witnesses told the subcommittee that the low income elderly must be assured of help in meeting high utility bills because it was the fear of not being able to pay those bills that kept many of them from turning on fans or air-conditioners. “Large numbers of people,
particularly the elderly, are refusing to turn on fans or air conditioners because of fear that they will not be able to pay the high utility bills which result,” said Richard Rios, director of the Community Services Administration.” (Associated Press. “Stubbornness, fears kept aged from aid.” Iola Register, KS. 7-31-1980, p. 5.)
KSDK: “The city’s Health Department isn’t counting on this being the last heat wave of the summer [of 2012] Director Pam Walker says the department is working on a Severe Weather Program to try and educate people about having a severe heat plan, like they might for other severe weather situations.
“For perspective, Walker says St. Louis saw a similar stretch of triple digit temperatures in 1980 when 153 people died over 14 days. Still, says Walker, “We’re reviewing everything we’re doing and we want to get better because one death is too many. A heat death is preventable”.” (KSDK, St. Louis. “7 new cases bring total to 10 in the city of St. Louis.” 7-10-2012.)
NYT: “…the 1980 heat wave…left more than 113 people dead in St. Louis. Most of them were elderly, living in crime-ridden neighborhoods in old row houses whose windows had been nailed shut to prevent break-ins.” (NYT, St. Louis Bears Brunt of Heat Wave…, July 24, 1983.)
SLT Today (O’Neil): “St. Louis. The temperature sizzled to 105 degrees on July 1, 1980, then fell sharply the following day. Relief would be fleeting…. In St. Louis, gathering heat pushed the high to 99 on July 7 and to 101 the next day. It would break 100 degrees on a withering nine of the next 14 days and reach 107 on July 15, the summer’s worst. It would be 100 or hotter on 18 days that long, searing summer.
“The heat wave would kill 153 people in the St. Louis area, most of them elderly, poor and living in stifling rooms without air conditioning. Many had kept their windows shut, fearing burglars more than swelter.
“Eleven had died of heat by July 10, when 12 more were reported that single day. The daily toll rocketed to 26 on July 14. “We are running out of places to put the bodies,” said Rose Marie Green at the St. Louis medical examiner’s office, where stench smacked visitors at the front door.
“Case files went like this: Otis Collier, 80, of the 5800 block of Terry Avenue, dead in a home with all windows closed. Myrtle Garrett, 73, of the 3500 block of Greer Avenue, dead in a room with an air conditioner that pumped out hot air. Melvin Shepard, 54, of the 700 block of Bayard Street, dead in 107-degree heat in an attic bedroom.
“Patients wilted in the general wards at City Hospital, 1515 Lafayette Avenue, which lacked air conditioning. On July 11, the military provided truck-size portable air conditioners that pumped chilled air through fat pipes into the hospital windows. On Bi-State buses, cranky air conditioners worked half the time, making riders crankier.
“The Missouri National Guard sent 200 troops into neighborhoods, knocking on doors to search for the ailing. On July 19, no deaths were reported. “The old and the weak have died off,” said Karl Reid, deputy St. Louis disaster director.
“But more died as heat lingered. The temperature reached 100 or hotter on six of the first 10 days of August. Missouri’s death toll topped 300.
“The worst heat wave on record in St. Louis was in 1936, when more than 420 died. There have been serious hot spells since 1980, but that year remains the deadliest in recent memory. Most local households, even with low incomes, now have at least a window air conditioner. Recent heat deaths frequently include this maddening detail – the victim had an air conditioner, but wouldn’t turn it on.” (O’Neil, Tim. “A Look Back. Searing heat wave killed 153 in St. Louis in 1980. SLT Today, 7-10-2011.)
Oklahoma:
McManus: “This is a chronicle of the summer heat wave of 1980, remembered by contemporary Oklahomans as the deadly summer that would not end….
“The summer of 1980 was not the state’s hottest. The problem did not lay with the heat itself; Oklahomans are fully accustomed to sweltering in the summer, biding time until those first cool fronts of fall make their way down from the north. The defining characteristic of the summer of 1980 was the relentlessness of the heat. Healdton reached the century mark 83 times from June through September, an astounding 68 percent of the possible days during those months. In comparison, the Dust Bowl year of 1934 saw Jefferson hit 100 degrees only 70 times, while Hollis did the same 80 times in 1936. For Healdton, the temperature readings first went to triple digits on June 18, and stayed that way for a couple of days. After a brief respite, high temperatures skyrocketed into the 100s again on June 23, staying that way for 42 consecutive days until August 3. The heat did not end there, unfortunately. Across the state, high temperatures soared into the 100s as late as September 22. At that point, temperatures slowly drifted to more seasonable environs. Finally, a strong cold front late that month put the final nail in the coffin of the memorable heat wave, the triple-digit temperatures but a memory as Oklahomans basked in autumn-like 50s and 60s for high temperatures.
“The sea of asphalt that pervades Oklahoma City intensified the heat. Record-high temperatures for Oklahoma’s capital were tied or broken 18 times during 1980, and the third-highest temperature ever recorded for Oklahoma City was set on August 2 with a reading of 110 degrees (113 remains Oklahoma City’s highest recorded temperature, from July 11, 1936). High temperatures of greater than 90 degrees occurred on 71 consecutive days, from June 23 until September 1 (it should be noted that after this one day respite, temperatures elevated above 90 degrees once again for 14 consecutive days).
“The horrible loss of lives. Although nearly impossible to measure accurately, deaths due to extreme temperatures were the largest impact of the 1980 heat wave. Estimates of up to 80 lives were considered lost due to heat-related causes. That figure might be conservative, since many brain strokes and heart failures are also due to extreme heat, yet not labeled so. Nationwide, the 1980 heat wave is blamed for 1,250 deaths.” (McManus, Gary (OK Climatological Survey). “The Heatwave of 1980.” 7-26-2010.)
NCDC on July Extreme Heat in Oklahoma: “Extremely high temperatures were indirectly responsible for 37 fatalities and several hundred injuries in Oklahoma. The extreme heat and drought conditions were directly responsible for several hundred million dollars damage to crops and livestock. Depending upon the type of crop, yield reductions of 20 to 50 percent were anticipated….Damage to roads and bridges occurred due to cracking and buckling caused by the heat. Expansion of railway tracks was responsible for at least one train derailment. Temperatures far above seasonal normals began in late June and continued through the entire month of July. Many temperature records were broken across the state.” (NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 20.)
Tennessee:
Applegate, et al.: “Abstract. During the heat wave of 1980, average daily temperatures in Memphis first rose above the mean on June 25 and remained elevated for 26 consecutive days. In July, 1980, 83 heat-related deaths were recorded as compared to non [nine? none?] in July 1979. Most of these deaths occurred in elderly, poor, black, inner-city residents. There was a statistically significant increase in total mortality rates, death from natural causes, cardiovascular mortality rates, and the rate for persons dead on arrival. Virtually all the excess mortality was in persons over the age of 60. The rise in heat-related emergency room visits occurred three days prior to the rise in heat-related deaths. Local planning for future heat waves should focus on the inner-city black elderly. Heat-related deaths and emergency room visits should be reported to public health officials.” (Applegate, W.B., J. W. Runyan, Jr. L. Bras field, M. L. Williams, C. Konigsberg, C. Fouche. “Analysis of the 1980 heat wave in Memphis. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, Vol. 29, No. 8, Aug 1981, pp. 337-342.)
Texas:
Falk and Christmas: “….the 1980 heat wave in North Texas was very long in duration. High temperatures of 100 degrees or more were recorded on more than 60 days. In a normal summer, temperatures reach 100 degrees or more on 17-22 days, except in the Wichita Falls area (36 days). The 113 degrees recorded at Dallas/Fort Worth on June 26-27th was the all time high temperature ever observed at Dallas/Fort Worth, as was the 117 degrees reached on June 28th at Wichita Falls. The hottest temperature observed in North Texas during the summer of 1980 was at Weatherford where the town blistered under 119 degree heat on June 26th. In addition, Dallas/Fort Worth set 32 daily record highs during the heat wave….” (Falk and Christmas (NWS WFO, Fort Worth, TX). An Intense Heat Checklist Based on the 1980 Heat Wave, March 1989, p. 2.)
Gelber: “The sizzling summer of 1980 was memorable in Dallas, Texas, for a record forty-two consecutive 100-degree days and a mean temperature of 92 degrees. Rain fell on just one day in the area, and at least 1,700 persons succumbed to the heat.” (Gelber 2002, 97.)
Greenberg: “Afternoon temperatures in much of northwestern Texas were in excess of 100°F for 61 of the 71 days between June 18th and August 27th, 1980. There were 31 consecutive days when the daily high temperature ranged from 101°F to 112°F in Dallas County. The average daily high temperature during this period was 104.5°F. High temperatures up to 102°F continued to occur intermittently until September 22nd.
“From May-September 1980, there were 107 deaths reported as due to heat, the largest number of such deaths reported since 1951. The literature on the effects of excessive heat on mortality rates has suggested that excess mortality is the best retrospective indicator of the effect of hot weather because of underreporting of heat deaths; there is a lag period of one to three days between maximum temperature and maximum mortality and consecutive days of high temperature have a greater effect on mortality than variable temperatures. The experience of the 1980 heat wave in Texas is consistent with these observations and suggests that preventive measures must be undertaken very early in a heat wave to be effective.” (Greenberg 1983, 805.)
NCDC on North Texas Heat Wave in July: “A heat wave of unprecedented magnitude began late in June and continued through the end of July. July was the hottest month on record at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport with an average temperature of 92 degrees as compared to a normal average of 84.4 degrees. Each day in July, the highest temperature reached 100 degrees, with 110 degrees on the 2nd and 18th being the hottest July temperatures ever at the observation site. (On June 26th and 27th the mercury reached 113 degrees, the highest temperature ever recorded in Dallas/Fort Worth. By July 31, temperatures had reached or exceeded 100 degrees on 39 straight days….” (NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 22.)
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[1] Our range based on State tally using sources which counted deaths. There are “estimates” of 2,000-10,000 deaths, for which we find no explanation of how the estimates were made. We suspect estimates were based on death spikes during high heat, and attributing a percentage to heat, at least as a contributing factor. We use counting-based tallies.
[2] Not used for high-end of tally in that this figure is out of keeping with all other sources.
[3] Cites W. Moulton Avery, executive director of the Center for Environmental Physiology in District of Columbia, and writes “Avery estimated the 1980 heat wave could be blamed for 15,000 heat-related deaths. His estimate was based on the number of deaths above those during an average summer because there is no uniform way of reporting deaths that may be attributed to heat other than heatstroke.”
[4] Generally numbers reported herein of 5,000 or 10,000 deaths should be viewed as “estimates” based on looking at spikes in deaths during high heat in a political jurisdiction, comparing spikes against previous recorded deaths during the same time-frame, and making a determination that some “x” percentage of the observed spike in fatalities could be attributed to high heat, especially for indirect deaths amongst elderly in non-air-conditioned premises with poor ventilation, and pre-existing health conditions.
[5] See, also, from the NCDC, Billion Dollar U.S. Weather Disasters. 7-22-2008; NCDC (Lott/Ross). A Climatology of 1980-2003 Extreme Weather…Climate Events.
[6] CDC figure of 1,700 deaths refers essentially to heatstroke deaths coded on death certificates accessible via CDC reporting network. It is fair, we think, to note that not all heatstroke deaths are coded as such on death certificates. In addition, higher figures take into account indirect heat deaths wherein high heat was viewed as a contributing factor.
[7] See also: KATC.com. “Ready For More?” 8-5-2011. and LA Times, “Death toll from heat rises…” 7-18-1995.
[8] “The 1980 heat wave claimed the lives of an estimated 1,265 Americans, according to an analysis prepared for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.”
[9] See also: McManus, Gary (OK Climatological Survey). “The Heatwave of 1980.” 7-26-2010; NWS Southern Region Headquarters. Heat Wave Links. 5-15-2000 update
[10] Credits the Health Department’s Center for Health Statistics.
[11] Highlighting to draw attention to non-CDC source. Probably includes heat-related deaths as well as heatstroke.
[12] “In 1980, when much of the nation suffered through a sizzling summer, the state had 153 heat-related deaths.”
[13] “The 1980 heat wave claimed 136 lives in the state.”
[14] Figure 3 [“Annual Temperature Deaths, Florida, 1979-1999”] is a chart which shows heat deaths in one color and cold deaths in another on the same horizontal bar for each year. The fatality range shown on the left of the chart is in increments of five, going up to thirty. The bars for each year are shown diagonally and do not show any numbers. This does not make them readily readable. Thus one has to measure with a ruler the bar showing the lowest combined deaths (1979), which appears to show one cold death and one heat death. With the unit of measurement of one death then measured against the heat portion of all the other bars, one can get an approximation of the heat deaths for each year. I say “approximate” in that by this method we counted 133 heat deaths over the 21-year period included in the graph, whereas the text of the article notes that there were 125. Repetitious measurement attempts gave us the same result. The article notes that the data came from death certificates collected by the Public Health Statistics Section, Office of Vital Statistics, Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services.
[15] Frederick Post, MD. “Little rain from violent area storm.” 7-10-1980. p. 11. Writes: “Indiana authorities reported a death apparently tied to the heat wave, the first in that state, but the 177th in the nation. The Marion County coroner’s office said the death of a 75-year-old woman Tuesday [8th] at her Indianapolis home was caused by a heart condition probably aggravated by the heat.”
[16] The laurel Leader-Call (MS), “Temperature reaches 100, little relief in sight,” 6-28-1988, p.1, also notes 2 deaths.
[17] Kansas City, within Missouri, lies mostly within Jackson County, but portions also fall within Clay, Cass, and Platte Counties. Also, across the Missouri River is Kansas City, Kansas. (Wikipedia. “Kansas City, Missouri.) This complicates comparisons with newspaper reports for Kansas City with CDC WONDER breakouts by county.
[18] Highlighted to draw attention to non-CDC WONDER sources.
[19] Assoc. Press. “Oklahoma Declares Special Day of Prayer for Rain.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI. 7-19-1980, 1.
[20] NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 15. Highlighted to denote NCDC as source, not CDC.
[21] NCDC. Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 15. Highlighted to denote NCDC as source, not CDC.
[22] “Last summer, 16 people died in a New York heat wave.”
[23] Figure 1.
[24] Associated Press. “Heat Wave Death Toll Reaches 61.” Cumberland News, MD. 7-1-1980, p. 1. Another AP report notes that “Army officials at Oklahoma’s Fort Sill rescheduled strenuous activities for cooler hours after the death of a lieutenant who collapsed during an exercise aborted because of heat.” (Associated Press. “Temperatures Fall to Below 110.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI. 7-1-1980, p. 7.)
[25] Associated Press. “Temperatures Fall to Below 110.” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI. 7-1-1980, p. 7.
[26] “A total of 52 deaths have been classed as heat-related in Dallas, 14 of those confirmed heat strokes, the medical examiners office said. With the exception of June 29, at least one Dallas resident has died daily of heatstroke since June 25.” (United Press Int.. “Heat wave producing fire, bat warnings.” Daily Press, Escanaba, MI. 7-7-1980, p. 6.)
[27] Most of Dallas is in Dallas County, but some portions are in Collin, Denton, Kaufman and Rockwell counties.
[28] United Press International. “Texas Struck by Heat Wave.” Cumberland Evening Times, MD. 6-27-1980, p. 1. Victim identified as Clyde Millican, who, it is reported, kept his air conditioner off, in order to save limited money.
[29] Victim identified as Helen Isley.
[30] Associated Press. “Heat wave in 14th straight day.” The Post, Frederick, MD, 7-6-1980, p. 11. Identified victim as Emma Carroll, noting hers was the 14th heat death in the Dallas area.
[31] NCDC, Storm Data, Vol. 22, No. 7, July 1980, p. 22.
[32] United Press International. “Texas Struck by Heat Wave.” Cumberland Evening Times, MD. 6-27-1980, p. 1. Article notes that victims body temperature was measured at 106° at the hospital where he was taken and died.
[33] Associated Press. “Scorching…” Northwest Arkansas Times, 6-29-1980, 1. Victim identified as Wilie Mae Dunn.