While many Americans are currently experiencing sweltering heat, the weather on July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was adopted, was considerably more temperate. Philadelphia, the site of the Continental Congress, recorded a high of 76 degrees Fahrenheit with a pleasant breeze.
Thomas Jefferson, who later became the third U.S. president, meticulously documented daily temperatures. On July 4, 1776, he noted the temperature at daybreak was 68 degrees Fahrenheit, rising to 72.25 by 9 a.m. and reaching the day's peak of 76 degrees around 1 p.m., before settling back to 73.5 in the evening. That same day, Jefferson also purchased a new thermometer from a Philadelphia apothecary for three pounds and 15 shillings, a purchase noted in his detailed expense logs. His records also show he bought seven pairs of women's gloves and made a charitable donation.
The five-man committee tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Jefferson primarily wrote the document between June 11 and June 28, with final edits made by his fellow committee members. The Continental Congress adopted the document on July 4, with printed copies distributed the following day. Delegates formally signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776, under clear skies with temperatures around 80 degrees.
In contrast to the mild conditions of 1776, many parts of the Northeast are currently facing a significant heat wave with temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This historical comparison highlights the stark difference in weather experienced by Americans celebrating the nation's founding versus those marking its 250th birthday amid extreme heat.