THE HEAT WAVE IN AMERICA

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22143, 13 July 1937, Page 11

THE HEAT WAVE IN AMERICA

ACUTE SUFFERING REPORTED

IN NEW YORK NEW YORK, July 11. The fifth successive day of intense heat brought widespread suffering and death to the United States, with no prospects of relief. The forecasts indicate a continuance of excessive heat for at least another week, with only brief respites by rain showers. Although the deaths directly due to the heat have not mounted far above 150, fatalities resulting from drowning and other accidents attributable to the weather numbered many hundreds. The suffering is particularly acute in New York, where 35 deaths through the heat have been recorded during the last four days. More than 7000 persons slept over-night on the beach at Coney Island. Seeking relief, thousands of others slept on the benches and on the grass in the city parks. The week-end found the city virtually deserted, thousands fleeing into the country. The water was so hot that in one bathing pool the patrons complained, causing the management to use huge cakes of ice to create an Arctic atmosphere.

Sprinkler trucks sprayed the streets, affording temporary relief. Children in bathing suits ran alongside the trucks, fighting for a place under the sprays.