topic Re: Philadelphia Weather July, 1776- Reported By Thomas Jefferson in Community Chat

Philadelphia Weather July, 1776- Reported By Thomas Jefferson

Mersha — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 18:17:19 GMT

US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly

Thomas Jefferson, the lead author of the Declaration of Independence, was also an avid weather observer. Here is part of his log from July 1776 in Philadelphia. The late 18th century was during a climate period known as "The Little Ice Age" and a notable coolness is observed here compared to what we expect almost 250 years later. Courtesy of jefferson-weather-records.org.

What temperature changes over the years.

Even with those temps, when wearing wool clothing and wigs, you would be HOT.

Re: Philadelphia Weather July, 1776- Reported By Thomas Jefferson

PhilaLady1 — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 19:00:58 GMT

That is very interesting. As I think you are aware, it has been around 90 in the Philly area, then add another 5 degrees for humidity. Thanks for your post!

Re: Philadelphia Weather July, 1776- Reported By Thomas Jefferson

Kachina624 — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 19:11:35 GMT

That recording is a little hard to decipher.

Re: Philadelphia Weather July, 1776- Reported By Thomas Jefferson

goldensrbest — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 19:48:46 GMT

Surprised the am temps,are so high.If i am reading it correctly.

Re: Philadelphia Weather July, 1776- Reported By Thomas Jefferson

Mersha — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 19:53:50 GMT

@Kachina624 On the left side of document go to July 4:

6 am it was 68.

9 am it was 72 1/2

1 pm it was 76

9 pm it was 73 1/2

I think it is fascinating to see how TJ compiled this document, most likely for himself.

Re: Philadelphia Weather July, 1776- Reported By Thomas Jefferson

Lucky Charm — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 20:01:15 GMT

They didn't have cars, trucks, SUVs, tractor trailers, and UPS deliveries.

Thousands of airplanes at the moment, flying for business and pleasure

Gas powered lawn mowers, edgers, and leaf blowers

Clothes dryers and refrigerators

People flying into outer space

Cell towers

Drive thru lines with idling engines

The Beast

....the list goes on and on.

Re: Philadelphia Weather July, 1776- Reported By Thomas Jefferson

rockygems123 — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 20:04:52 GMT

@Mersha wrote:
@Kachina624   On the left side of document go to July 4:

   6 am it was 68.

9 am it was 72 1/2

    1 pm it was 76

    9 pm it was 73 1/2

I think it is fascinating to see how TJ compiled this document, most likely for himself.

@Mersha I think it is fascinating too. For many years my dad kept daily weather and temp records so he could review year over year to see how the weather, various seeds and materials affected his plantings.

Re: Philadelphia Weather July, 1776- Reported By Thomas Jefferson

songbird — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 23:08:09 GMT

Little Ice Age lasted from 1300 to 1850. The globe lost about 2 degrees. It was unseasonably cold in temps all year It was one of factors (among many) for French Revolution. Crops failed world wide. There have been many climate disaster. The infamous year of 536 "The worst year to be alive" in which the sun simply disappeared for nearly a year. The result of a volcano, (at least 3) so violent, it left ash in the air for months of darkness. It took years to recover.