Heat Waves: The Heat Wave of 1921
Although most heat waves last no more than two weeks, the heat wave of 1921 lasted almost two months. March provided a hint of what was to come. The average daily high temperature was 71.9°F, the warmest March on record in Bowling Green. Precipitation was also well above normal, and crops started to grow early. In April, a near reversal took place, with periods of cold weather that included heavy frost and freezes. The cold spell took its toll on fruit trees and some early crops. Thunderstorms near the end of the month produced hail, damaging crops and buildings in some parts of the area. May's weather brought a return of warmer than normal conditions. Temperatures were above normal, with several days above 90°F near the end of the month. Meanwhile, precipitation was over an inch below normal. This pattern continued into June, with daily temperatures consistently 5 to 10°F above normal. On June 10th, the high temperature in Bowling Green reached only 89°F, and this would prove to be the last day of the month on which the temperature did not reach 90°F. The average daily high temperature for June 1921 was 94.0°F. The heat and emerging drought grew in intensity through the summer. The average daily high temperature in July rose to 97.0°F, and the temperature reached 90°F or higher on every day of the month. Temperatures at or above 100°F were recorded on ten days, with Bowling Green reporting 102°F on July 31st. Precipitation was well below normal, adding to the effect of the extreme heat. August brought some relief. After 57 consecutive days on which the high temperature reached at least 90°F, the temperature on August 7th peaked at 88°F. The average daily high temperature for August dropped to 91.9°F. Still, warm conditions persisted through September, and a temperature of 90°F was recorded as late as October 25th. In all, temperatures at or in excess of 90°F were recorded for 107 days that year. In addition, with the summer humidity of Kentucky factored in, heat indices would have been well into the 100s almost every day. With daily high temperatures above 90°F for nearly one-third of the year, 1921 showed that Kentuckians should be prepared to cope with extended heat waves.
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