One for the record books

Yesterday was a day to be grateful for airconditioning as the thermometer topped out at 36.3C (97F for the Celsius challenged), not quite 37.8C which is the highest ever recorded in Ottawa, nor anything like the record heat of Toronto in July 1936, but memorably warm. I got those figures on records quite easily from the National Climate Data and Information Archive, operated and maintained by Environment Canada. They provide free access to official climate and weather observations for many locations at the Climate Data Online. Daily data go back to the 1880s for several locations, and to 1840 for Toronto. When you want to add a bit of colour to your family history its worth checking out the weather at the time of significant family events. If you're not in Canada check a local newspaper archives, that's where I found the image of kids keeping cool in 1936..