1936 Heat Wave Hits the Midwest

HENRY WALLACE

Posted By: Harvey W Henry (email)
Date: 10/8/2007 at 14:57:08

1936: Heat wave hits the Midwest
A record-shattering heat wave hit the Midwestern region of the United States today, destroying millions of dollars in crops and causing more than 1,000 heat-related deaths. Although many areas reported peak temperatures this week, the heat remained throughout the summer, killing an estimated 5,000 people.
The temperature in Chicago passed 90 again. St. Paul sweltered at 109 Cedar Rapids, lA., at 112, Lafayette, Ind., at 110. Kewanee, m., at 112 There were all-time record temperatures of 108 degrees Davenport, lA.. 106 in Grand Rapids, MI, 102 in Duluth, MN reported the Edwardsville Intelligencer on July 13, 1936.
Henry A. Wallace, secretary of agriculture, assured the public that there was no likelihood of a national food shortage. 'There is no excuse for substantial increases in food prices now.' Wallace said. 'The persons who are using the drought as an excuse to increase their profits and take advantage of human suffering.'