National Weather Service officials confirmed this week that Dayton has hit exactly 95 degrees in air temperature a number of times in recent years (including four days in June-July 2022), but that’s been the peak.
The last time Dayton’s air temperature was over 100 degrees was back in June and July of 2012, according to NWS. That year, Dayton had a high temp of 102 degrees on June 28, then stayed in the 90s for a full week, hitting 98 and 99 multiple times, then went back to 102 again on July 6 and July 7, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s online weather data. At the Dayton Air Show on July 7 that year, 160 people were treated for heat-related illness, and 25 were sent to hospitals.
The only times in the past 40 years that Dayton has gone over 100 degrees for air temperature were those three days in 2012, and seven days in the baking summer of 1988 (June 25, July 7-8-9, July 15-16, and Aug. 17). According to Accuweather, a heat wave smothered much of the United States throughout summer 1988, causing deaths, drought and wildfires.
This weekend’s heat won’t approach those levels. After 96 degrees with a 20% chance of rain Friday, NWS predicts a muggy night only dropping to 76, then a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday with a high of 92 degrees. But Sunday is supposed to be sunny and 83, and the low temperature early Monday morning might dip as low as 59.
During today’s heat advisory, NWS advises people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room if possible and stay out of the sun. Check up on relatives and neighbors, and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
Number of days at 95 degrees or hotter in Dayton
2022 — 4 (all exactly 95)
2020 — 2 (both exactly 95)
2013 — 1
2012 — 11
2011 — 9
2007 — 3
2005 — 2
2002 — 1
All other years since 2000 had no days at 95 or hotter.
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data
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