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It's been a hot summer, since the summer solstice here.
Now we are remembering the heat wave of 30 years ago, when Chicago area sweltered under 100+ degree temperatures from July 12 to July 16, 1995. On July 13, the temperature at O'Hare was recorded at 106 degrees, not including the humidity or "real-feel" temperature. Including the real feel, it was a staggering 126 degrees!
Humidity was a factor in the severity of the heat wave. Nightime temperatures were in the 80's, with no cooling breezes for relief.
Stores were sold out of fans and window-air-conditioners. Restaurants did not serve hot food, because it was too hot in the kitchens. Streets buckled. Metal handles were too hot to touch.
There were over 700 heat-related deaths recorded, mostly poor and elderly people who did not have air conditioning, or could not afford to turn it on. There was fear of open windows or sleeping outside due to fear of crime.
This disaster was a lesson to city leaders. Community support and cooling facilities are now part of the response to extreme heat. But these are vulnerable resources. They cost money, and are not open 24-hours a day. In these times of changing climate, we can and must do better.
If you want to read more about the heat wave of 1995, there is a book--Heat Wave, a Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago, by Eric Klinenberg.
