Is it just us, or has this summer seemed a little cooler than normal?

The fairly temperate weather over the last couple of weeks has us thinking about the other extreme: the hottest day in Indianapolis history. Let's rewind.

The day the heat set records

Indy's hottest day on record took place on July 14, 1936, when temperatures hit a record-breaking 112°.

That sure puts this summer's weather into perspective, huh? The closest we’ve come to that number in the past few weeks was when temperatures reached 93° on July 2.

What the headlines said

Newspapers were filled with weather woes — stories included reports of crop damage, residents struggling in the heat, and cautious optimism for a cold front that might bring temps down to the low 90s. It also reproached a driver whose discarded cigarette started a fire that burned 60 acres along Kessler Boulevard.

Just a few pages later, a full-page ad for Block's air-conditioned department store (once located at the southwest corner of Illinois and Market) drove the point home.

Ah, a suit — the perfect outfit for a 112° day. | Clipping via Hoosier State Chronicles

In other news, the Indianapolis Times predicted that the topic of Prohibition would sway voting in the upcoming presidential election. Sports coverage included a story about Elizabeth Dunn — the "Hoosier Golf Queen" — dominating the competition at the state women's golf tournament.

How to weather the weather today

Thankfully, we have plenty of air-conditioned museums to visit, splash pads that are open through Labor Day, and if all else fails, lots and lots of ice cream.