Illinois Heatwave History: Rockford’s Record 112-Degree Day Still Stands

It's not quite summer yet, and while we're still feeling some of the springtime temperatures, it's a good reminder that the heat is on its way, especially when you consider just how hot things could get in Forest City.

Remember That 100-Degree Week in Rockford?

I mean, we've had some hot days, as recently as just about 13 years ago, when we had a run of consecutive 100-degree days starting on the 4th of July through July 7, when it got all the way up to 105 per Weather.gov.

Rockford Heatwaves: Nothing Like the Summer of 1936

While those temperatures were hot enough to fry an egg on cement, they weren't record-breaking heat. The summer of 1936 was one for the ages when it came to high temperatures.

READ MORE: Summer Heat In Rockford Can Be Dangerous For Dogs

The Hottest Decade Ever Recorded in Rockford

In fact, the 1930s in Rockford were the hottest decade on record, with 44 days of 100 degrees or more temperatures. The next closest? The 1910s. In comparison, the 2020s have had one day in the 100s, June 21, 2022.

July 1936: When Rockford Melted

That's why the string of hot days in 1936 is so strange; starting July 6 through July 14, Rockford was the hottest it has ever been:

• July 6, 1936 - 102
• July 7. 1936 - 105
• July 8, 1936 - 104
• July 9,  1936 - 101
• July 10, 1936 - 106
• July 11, 1936 - 108
• July 12, 1936 -109
• July 13, 1936 - 110
• July 14, 1936 - 112

Rockford’s Hottest Day on Record Still Stands

That day, July 14, 1936, still stands as the hottest day in Rockford's history, and it probably won't ever be touched again. There were three other 100-degree days in July that year, too.

READ MORE: Beat the Heat: Find a Cooling Center Near You in Illinois

What If This Heatwave Hit Rockford in 2025?

Be honest. If this happened in 2025, what's the likelihood you'd leave the house? We'd probably all sit inside and crank that air conditioner like it's nobody's business.