The 1980 Heat Wave

The 1980 Heat Wave
Compiled by Michael Garrison and Jody Aaron

Time

Temperatures

Results

Mid July to Mid September 1980

The hottest day of the summer was July 17th, when over 80 percent of the state reached 100 degrees, and nearly one quarter of the state reached 105. The highest reading on that day was 108 degrees recorded in the cities of Bessemer , Aliceville, and Jasper.

A sustained period of extreme heat and high humidity took its toll on the state. In the month of July alone, there was an estimated 120 heat-related deaths along with the loss of more than 200,000 chickens and half the state's corn crop.