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The 5 worst heat waves ever to hit the US, with one that left over 10,000 dead

Is 2024 the worst heat wave the country has ever seen?

PUBLISHED JUL 8, 2024

Here's a look at the five worst heat waves to ever hit the US. (Photo: Bruno Scramgon)

Phoenix, Arizona: The state is reeling under a scorching heat wave with extreme heat to continue to prevail through the upcoming week

as strong high pressure remains entrenched across the region. But is this the worst heat wave the country has ever seen? Here's a look at the five worst heat waves to ever hit the US.

1936 North American Heat Wave

July 1936

This heat wave occurred during the Dust Bowl era, affecting a significant portion of the United States and Canada. It was marked by exceptionally high temperatures and exacerbated by the drought conditions of the time. The heat was also accentuated by poor farming methods which left little vegetation to help mitigate the hot temperatures. Five of the six hottest days on record in Peoria occurred from July 11-15 of that year.

Number of deaths: Estimates ranged from 5,000 to 10,000 people. It remains one of the deadliest heat waves in U.S. history.

1980 United States Heat Wave

June to September 1980

This prolonged heat wave affected much of the central and eastern United States. It was characterized by persistent high temperatures and minimal rainfall. Economic losses during the hot, dry summer of 1980 were estimated at $16 billion.

Number of deaths: Approximately 1,700 deaths were attributed to this heat wave. The extreme temperatures also caused significant agricultural losses and strained energy resources.

1995 Chicago Heat Wave

July 12-16, 1995

Centered in Chicago, this heat wave saw temperatures soaring above 100°F (38°C) with high humidity, creating life-threatening conditions. Highest temperature recorded for any Chicago area reporting station during this event was 106°F at Midway Airport on July 13. The only other documented higher temperature at any Chicago site on record was 109°F at Midway Airport during the Dust Bowl in 1934.

Number of deaths: Over 700 people died, primarily the elderly and those without access to air conditioning.

2006 North American Heat Wave

July 2006

Affecting the western United States and parts of Canada, this heat wave brought record-breaking temperatures to many areas, including California and Arizona. Temperatures hit 118 °F (48 °C) on July 21 in Phoenix, making it the hottest day since 1995 and one of the 11 hottest since 1895, when temperature records were first kept in the city.

Number of deaths: Approximately 650 deaths were reported. The heat wave also caused widespread power outages and increased wildfire activity.

2011 North American Heat Wave

July 2011

This heat wave impacted a large portion of the United States, particularly the Midwest and Eastern regions. Temperatures frequently exceeded 100°F (38°C), with high humidity levels compounding the heat. Additionally the combination of recent rains and release of water into the air by corn and soybeans caused dewpoints to increase to near record or record levels, making it feel very humid. The result was a four-day stretch between July 17 and 20 where max heat indices (what the temperature actually feels like) ranged between 100 and 120 degrees. Also, the high dewpoints allowed for multiple new records to occur for warm low temperatures.

Number of deaths: Around 95 deaths were directly attributed to the heat wave. The extreme conditions also led to severe drought in Texas and other states, significantly affecting agriculture and water resources.