Last week, American citizens celebrated the 4th of July with backyard barbecues, outdoor activities of all kinds, and the holidays symbolic sparklers and fireworks. However, parts of the nation also faced extreme heat, with triple-digit temperatures felt throughout several states ranging from Tennessee to California. As we settle back into the office and reflect on this year's festivities (and the weather's impact), it's interesting to delve into the historical weather patterns associated with Independence Day.
The hottest recorded 4th of July in the continental U.S. occurred in Furnace Creek, Death Valley, California, where temperatures soared to a blistering 128°F (53.3°C) in 1913. Conversely, the coldest 4th of July on record was in 1968 in International Falls, Minnesota, with temperatures dipping to a chilly 32°F (0°C). The National Weather Service (NWS) has detailed records of July 4th weather data for various locations across the country. They maintain records of high and low temperatures, as well as precipitation, dating back to the late 1800s. Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has provided a year-by-year climatology report for Independence Day in the Twin Cities from 1871 to the present. This data includes maximum and minimum temperatures as well as precipitation records, offering a snapshot of the weather on July 4th each year.
But what was the weather like on the original 4th of July in 1776? Historical accounts suggest that the day was hot and humid in Philadelphia, where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Without modern air conditioning, the delegates endured the hot and humid conditions typical of a Philadelphia summer. Approximately 56 delegates crowded into the assembly room, making it stifling and uncomfortable. The large windows were open for ventilation, but the heat would still have been oppressive, impacting the delegates' endurance as they debated and signed the historic document.
Weather data has been meticulously collected throughout history and continues to be gathered today. While methods of collecting and forecasting weather data have evolved significantly over the years, the importance of this information remains constant. This continuous accumulation of weather data is essential for enhancing our ability to predict and prepare for future weather events.
Gathered historical evidence tells us that July has always been one of the hottest months of the year for the United States, and is getting hotter every year. With the increasing frequency of extreme heat events, it is crucial to be prepared and informed about heat safety. High temperatures can pose significant health risks, making it essential to take precautions to stay safe.
Here are some essential heat safety tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Seek Cool Environments: Spend time in shaded or air-conditioned areas to cool down.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to help keep your body cool.
- Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Monitor children, the elderly, and pets to ensure they stay cool and hydrated.
By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, we can enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing the risks associated with extreme heat. A personal weather station can also provide real-time data to help you monitor weather conditions at your home to make informed decisions about heat safety.
Tempest has a full Heat Wave Safety Guide you can check out for more information about how to stay safe during extreme heat and heat waves.
- OTHER WEATHER NEWS -
BERYL LEAVES MILLIONS WITHOUT POWER
Tropical Storm Beryl unleashed heavy rains and powerful winds along the Texas coast on Monday, knocking out power to more than 2 million homes and businesses and flooding streets with fast-rising waters. First responders raced to rescue stranded residents as Beryl, which had already cut a deadly path through Mexico and the Caribbean, made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane before weakening. The National Hurricane Center reported that damaging winds and flash flooding would continue as Beryl pushed inland.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES EVACUATE THOUSANDS
Firefighters battled the Thompson Fire near Oroville, CA, which forced 26,000 people to evacuate after it began before noon on Tuesday, July 2nd. Despite a drop in fire activity, the fire remained uncontained, and a second blaze, the Grubbs Fire, sparked nearby the following day. More than a dozen wildfires were active across the state, the largest, the Basin Fire, covered nearly 22 square miles of the Sierra National Forest. Extreme heat warnings persisted across the state in the time leading up to the events, exacerbating the wildfire risk for the area. Gov. Newsom activated the State Operations Center and secured federal funding to support firefighting efforts and protect communities.
SAFELY EXERCISE IN EXTREME HEAT
Exercising outdoors during a heat wave can be dangerous, especially during the hottest parts of the day between 10 am and 6 pm. Heat-related illness experts advise exercising early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the intense heat. They emphasize the importance of staying hydrated, listening to your body's signals, and wearing light-colored clothing. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable and need extra precautions to stay safe in extreme heat conditions.
WHAT MAKES US WATCH NATURAL DISASTERS?
Extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes have increasingly captured public attention, with live-streaming platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Discord playing a pivotal role in the viewing boom. A recent study from the University of Plymouth analyzed viewers' motivations during major weather events like Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Storms Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin in 2022, and found that viewers largely used these streams to discuss government risk advice like evacuation orders, and to show support for affected regions.
PLANTS TO DEADHEAD THIS MONTH
Deadheading is a crucial summer task that not only keeps your garden tidy but also encourages plants to bloom longer and even produce a second wave of flowers. This July, take the time to deadhead your shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals to maximize their flowering potential. Check out this list of seven plants that will benefit from this simple yet rewarding pruning technique this month.
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