1936 North American heat wave facts for kids

The 1936 North American heat wave was a time when it got super hot across the United States and Canada. It was one of the worst heat waves in U.S. history. This happened during a tough time called the Great Depression, when many people didn't have jobs, and also during the Dust Bowl, when farms were struggling with very dry weather and dust storms.

The heat wave began in late June 1936. It caused a lot of problems for people and the land. It made things even harder for families already dealing with the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.

Extreme Temperatures and Records

This heat wave brought record-breaking temperatures to many states. Places like Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois saw some of their hottest days ever. In some areas, these temperature records were not broken until 2012, showing just how extreme the heat was in 1936.

In Ohio, for example, the temperature reached 110°F (about 43°C). This was almost as hot as the record set just two years earlier in 1934. The heat was widespread, affecting many parts of the Midwest and Great Plains.

How the Heat Affected People and Farms

The extreme heat, combined with very little rain, caused a severe drought in the Midwest and Great Plains. This lack of water was terrible for farmers. Huge numbers of crops were destroyed because they couldn't grow in the dry, hot conditions. This made it even harder for people to get food and make a living during the Great Depression.

Sadly, more than 5,000 people in the United States died because of this heat wave. The heat was so intense that it was dangerous, especially for those who didn't have ways to cool down.

The heat also spread north and affected Canada, showing just how widespread and powerful this weather event was across North America.

Images for kids

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  Summer (June–August) 1936 average temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit. Record warmest and coldest is based on a 112-year period of records (1895–2006).

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  Summer (June–August) 1936 precipitation, in inches. Record wettest and driest is based on a 112-year period of records (1895–2006).