The Most Blistering Heatwave to Ever Hit Middlesex County Was Suffocating

New Jersey is known to experience decently hot summers. In fact, the average high temperature in the state throughout July — its hottest month — is around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature often goes well beyond that, however, dipping into the 90s and sometimes even above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during heatwaves. 

This article will detail the most blistering heatwaves that ever hit New Jersey — specifically Middlesex County.

New Jersey Temperatures and Weather Patterns 

New Jersey has a humid subtropical climate in its southern regions and a humid continental climate in its northern regions. The state experiences moderately cold and snowy winters with warm, humid summers. Cooler temperatures occur more frequently in the western regions with higher elevations, while warmer temperatures occur along the coast. 

Over the course of the year and all throughout the four seasons, temperatures in New Jersey range from 27 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, rarely dipping below 14 degrees Fahrenheit or above 93 degrees Fahrenheit (though this definitely happens). Many tourists flock to New Jersey during summertime, as the state boasts gorgeous beaches and ideal vacation weather.

Hottest Temperature to Ever Hit New Jersey

The hottest temperature recorded in New Jersey was 110 degrees Fahrenheit on July 10, 1936. This actually occurred in Runyon, New Jersey — part of Middlesex County. The suffocating heatwave lasted for days.

During this time, all of North America was experiencing a severe heatwave. This period of extreme, hot weather was referred to as “The July 1936 Heat Wave” or “1936 North American Heat Wave.” The catastrophe took place during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl and impacted both the health of citizens as well as the economy.

New Jersey was just one state of many that hit or broke their record high temperatures. For example, Chicago reached 121 degrees Fahrenheit and experienced eight straight days over 100 degrees during this heatwave.

Runyon Average Summer Temperature

Runyon is a neighborhood in Sayreville, which is located in Middlesex County, New Jersey. The neighborhood typically experiences a summer average high of 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Compared to warmer or more southern states, Runyon (and New Jersey as a whole) typically has milder summers — though it can still experience high temperatures into the 90s and rarely over 100.

However, due to the impacts of a prolonged drought (and the entire continent’s devastating heatwave), it’s no shock that Runyon’s temperatures rose to such a severe height during July of 1936.

What Caused the 1936 Heat Wave in Jersey?

The 1936 North American heat wave occurred for a variety of reasons, including a series of droughts and a strong ridge of high pressure settling over the region. In fact, the droughts affected the U.S. throughout the early 1930s and killed vegetation across much of the Great Plains states. Additionally, poor farming and land management caused the Plains to heat up and become desert-like in nature. Its heat then spread with a high pressure that funneled heat northward and beyond. 

New Jersey Heatwave: Impacts on People

Unfortunately, the conditions were so dangerous that as many as 5,000 people died during this time in the U.S. alone (and around 1,200 in Canada). Keep in mind that this heatwave occurred before quality air conditioning became commonplace, meaning there wasn’t as much protection for residents or opportunities to escape the heat. The deaths mainly happened in densely-populated locations, where many individuals suffered from heat stroke and heat exhaustion. These heat-related illnesses are especially common in the elderly population.

Such extreme weather can wreak havoc on infrastructure as well, causing power outages, transportation disruptions, or damage to buildings and roads. This is especially true when residents are attempting to cool their homes with air conditioning. However, most people didn’t have air conditioning in their homes at the time of this heat wave. As a result, many Americans would sleep outside in their yards or on fire escapes.

Additionally, due to the ongoing drought and lack of moisture, many crops were destroyed, causing prices to rise for surviving harvests.

Preparedness and Response

While most households now (thankfully) have more access to air conditioning, the effects of such a heatwave likely wouldn’t be as detrimental today. Additionally, most cities now have cooling stations for residents or those who don’t have shelter from the heat. 

To prepare for future heatwaves, the state of New Jersey urges seniors or those with chronic health conditions to remain indoors, stay hydrated, and avoid extraneous physical activity. As for animals, keep your pets indoors as much as possible, and make sure they’re drinking tons of water, as they can experience heat-related illnesses, too.