Counties in Arkansas with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Counties in Arkansas with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Hitting 116 degrees F in normally temperate Portland, Oregon. 105 degrees in Reno in September, just as summer is meant to be waning. And in California's Death Valley National Park, temperatures hit almost 130 degrees in the aptly named Furnace Creek, marking a world record for the hottest September day in history.
2021 and 2022 saw some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded, as across the country extreme heat waves wreaked havoc on communities accustomed to more moderate weather. For many regions, the consequences were grave: in the 2021 Western heatwave, hundreds lost their lives, largely due to a lack of air conditioning, and wildfires ravaged the area.
Map of the past year's temperatures compared to the 100-year average
While not every county in the nation has experienced such extreme heat, climate change has dramatically changed the heat landscape in nearly every state. Coastal regions and the Southern U.S. are particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures, and are also frequently targets of extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes.
Just as all states are not impacted equally by rising temperatures, regions within states have also seen widely different temperature changes over the last decades. Factors such as proximity to urban areas, bodies of water, and mountains can dramatically change the climate of a region. Stacker cited data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Center for Environmental Information to identify the counties in Arkansas with the greatest departure from average temperatures during the period December 2021 to November 2022 compared to the 1901-2000 average. Average temperature over the past year served as a tiebreaker. Additional data on recent average high and low temperatures for each county is also included.
#50. Lee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.7 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.3 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.7 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.3 F (1.4 F above century average)
#49. Lonoke County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74 F (1.3 F above century average)
#48. Phillips County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
#47. Arkansas County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74 F (1.2 F above century average)
#46. Calhoun County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.1 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.1 F (1.4 F above century average)
#45. Izard County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.8 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.8 F (1.6 F above century average)
#44. Randolph County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
#43. Van Buren County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
#42. Pike County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
#41. St. Francis County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.4 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.4 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73 F (1.5 F above century average)
#40. Saline County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.4 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.4 F (1.6 F above century average)
#39. Pulaski County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.4 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.5 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.4 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.5 F (1.6 F above century average)
#38. Prairie County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.6 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.6 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
#37. Union County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.6 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.6 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77 F (1.8 F above century average)
#36. Searcy County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70 F (1.4 F above century average)
#35. Stone County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.7 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.9 F (2 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.7 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.9 F (2 F above century average)
#34. Cleburne County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.9 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.9 F (2.1 F above century average)
#33. Pope County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.5 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.9 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.5 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.9 F (2.3 F above century average)
#32. Conway County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.3 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.3 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
#31. Logan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.4 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.1 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.4 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.1 F (2.4 F above century average)
#30. Yell County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.2 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75 F (3 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.2 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75 F (3 F above century average)
#29. Perry County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.7 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.7 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75 F (2.6 F above century average)
#28. Monroe County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.6 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.6 F (1.6 F above century average)
#27. Hempstead County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.9 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.5 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.9 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.5 F (2.3 F above century average)
#26. Drew County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.1 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.7 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.1 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.7 F (1.6 F above century average)
#25. Newton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.2 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.1 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.2 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.1 F (1.9 F above century average)
#24. Johnson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72 F (2.3 F above century average)
#23. Howard County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.4 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.4 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (2.7 F above century average)
#22. Carroll County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.8 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.5 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.8 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.5 F (2.4 F above century average)
#21. Franklin County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73 F (2.5 F above century average)
#20. Garland County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.5 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.6 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.5 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.6 F (2.2 F above century average)
#19. Bradley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.7 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.7 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
#18. Chicot County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.9 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.9 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
#17. Madison County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.9 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.9 F (2.7 F above century average)
#16. Baxter County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.8 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.2 F (2 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.8 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.2 F (2 F above century average)
#15. Crawford County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.5 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.5 F (2.9 F above century average)
#14. Polk County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.7 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.6 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.7 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.6 F (3.1 F above century average)
#13. Scott County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.3 F (3.2 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.3 F (3.2 F above century average)
#12. Montgomery County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.6 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.6 F (2.9 F above century average)
#11. Benton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.3 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.4 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.3 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.4 F (2.8 F above century average)
#10. Washington County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.3 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.4 F (3 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.3 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.4 F (3 F above century average)
#9. Lafayette County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.8 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.2 F (2 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.8 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.2 F (2 F above century average)
#8. Boone County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.7 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.7 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (2.8 F above century average)
#7. Marion County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.9 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.5 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.9 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.5 F (2.3 F above century average)
#6. Sebastian County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75 F (3.1 F above century average)
#5. Ashley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
#4. Fulton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.7 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.9 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.7 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.9 F (2.3 F above century average)
#3. Sevier County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.6 F (3.4 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.6 F (3.4 F above century average)
#2. Little River County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.1 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.1 F (3.1 F above century average)
#1. Miller County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.8 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.5 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.8 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.5 F (2.5 F above century average)
