1896 Eastern North America heat wave

The 1896 eastern North America heat wave was a deadly 10-day event in August that affected cities such as New York, Boston, Newark, and Chicago, killing around 1,500 people. Temperatures exceeded 90°F with high humidity, and nighttime lows remained sweltering. Most victims were young, working-class men. In response, New York City officials implemented measures such as altered work shifts, opened fire hydrants, and distributed free ice. The Parks Department also allowed people to sleep in parks to avoid fatal rooftop accidents.

In NYC, 420 people die, killing more than the New York City draft riots and the Great Chicago Fire combined, mostly in crowded tenements in areas such as the Lower East Side.