Heat wave brought us twenty-two days of 90 plus degree weather 

          How long does a wave of intense heat last? Any guess is as good as another. Mother Nature has the answer and discloses it when she sees fit.

            This past weekend, was marked by intense heat and humidity that swept over the Upper Perkiomen Valley and beyond. Some would describe it as a hot, wet blanket

with no escape to be found except for the cool comfort of swimming or behind closed air conditioned doors.

            Intense weather is an intrinsic part of nature's endless cycles. Digging into the archives at the Town and Country resulted in several articles recounting the uninvited scorching high temperatures and its close friend- drought.  

            July of 1954 was incredibly hot as well. The area experienced a severe heat wave and drought. It was categorized as one of the severest sieges of heat to hit the rural farming community.

            In the issue of July 16, 1954, the Town and Country noted that rain was scarce. During the day, the mercury hit 101 in midtown Pennsburg. An article for that week explained that farmers began their harvest and that weather conditions were not favorable. There was concern for potato crops which were seriously impacted by the lack of rain. Oats were ripening quickly due to the prolonged heat and dryness.

            A storm that included lightening, strong winds and rain ended the heat wave. Farmers and home owners were struggling to push through the horrid temperatures. The storm was a sweet relief to the extreme weather.

            Two fire calls preceded the storm that ended the heat wave. Red Hill fire department was called to a house on Adams Street owned by resident Allen Trumbauer. Electric wires sparked as they danced in the high winds. East Greenville Fire Company battled a grass fire early that evening before the storm set in.

            A year later in July of 1955, the Upper Perkiomen Valley experienced another incredible heat wave. The July 8^th issue of the newspaper recalled the sweltering heat that settled on our area.  Heat, picnic and crowds marked the 4 of July festivities at Goshenhoppen Park. It was estimated that 5,000 people attended the festivities despite the crippling weather.   

            As recorded in the July 8th Town and Country of 1955, "Town and Country thermograph - the line went up the past July 2- and stayed there, turning in 90's – 100's with fiendish abandon."

            It was considered to be the longest and severest heat spell in recorded area history for the Upper Perkiomen Valley.  Peak sizzling occurred July 4 - 97 degrees; July 5 - 99 degrees; and July 17 - 96 degrees.  As the month continued, so did the heat. The July 22^nd issue mentioned that scorching heat continued on playgrounds and throughout town and countryside.

            By July 29 1955, the heat wave was in its fifth gripping week. In addition, spotty rain showers were recorded, but with no relief from the heat or drought. "Heat and drought continued this week - fifth straight - to make life more miserable for man and beast, flower and weed, grass and crops. Lawns are no more."

            It was recorded that the area experienced 22 days of temperatures of 90 or higher, and six days 85 degrees or more for five straight weeks.

            In the August 5, 1955 issue of the Town and Country, Fred C. Eschbach of Palm, was a U.S. weather observer for our area. He supplied figures that signified that July of 1955 was dry and very hot, but not the driest in the 15 years he had recorded up to that point. He noted that July of 1954 has been significantly drier in comparison.

            Reflecting on the weather experienced by locals in July of 1955, makes this past weekend of oppressive heat seem tame.  As our community pushed through the heat, Sunday night brought a change in weather. The wind shifted and clouds accumulated with the promise of cooler temperatures on the way. It brought rain and thunderstorms.  After sunset, the sweet smell of cool air was a welcomed delight. 

            Monday brought high temperatures, but nothing like what was experienced over the weekend. As Tuesday settled in, the weather was cloudy and cool. A welcomed guest after the recent heat wave.

            Mother Nature has her patterns of weather. It is comforting to remember that extreme and inclement weather will always pass. Our patience, reverence and perseverance will be rewarded with joyous weather … when Dame Nature obliges.