Counties in Florida with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Counties in Florida 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.
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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 Florida 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. Baker County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.5 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.5 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.5 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.5 F (2.5 F above century average)
#49. Suwannee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.3 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.3 F (1.9 F above century average)
#48. Bradford County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
#47. Alachua County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.6 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.6 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
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#46. DeSoto County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 62.7 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 62.7 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
#45. Walton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.1 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.1 F (2.3 F above century average)
#44. Jefferson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.2 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.4 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.2 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.4 F (1.7 F above century average)
#43. Gulf County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.4 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.9 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.4 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.9 F (2.4 F above century average)
#42. Hendry County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 75.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 65.1 F (2.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.8 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 65.1 F (2.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.8 F (1.8 F above century average)
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#41. Okaloosa County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
#40. Bay County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.9 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.9 F (2.6 F above century average)
#39. Glades County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 75 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64.2 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64.2 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
#38. Madison County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.2 F (3.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.2 F (3.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
#37. Gilchrist County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59 F (2.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.2 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59 F (2.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.2 F (2.2 F above century average)
#36. Lafayette County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.8 F (3.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.5 F (2 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.8 F (3.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.5 F (2 F above century average)
#35. Manatee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.8 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.7 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.8 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.7 F (2.2 F above century average)
#34. Nassau County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.3 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.8 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.3 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.8 F (2.8 F above century average)
#33. Brevard County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 66.3 F (3.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.3 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 66.3 F (3.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.3 F (1.7 F above century average)
#32. St. Lucie County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 75.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 65.7 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.5 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 65.7 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.5 F (2.6 F above century average)
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#31. Taylor County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.8 F (3.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.1 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.8 F (3.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.1 F (2.2 F above century average)
#30. Hardee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.9 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.9 F (2.7 F above century average)
#29. Indian River County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 65.3 F (3.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 83.6 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 65.3 F (3.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 83.6 F (2.3 F above century average)
#28. Okeechobee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64.6 F (3.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64.6 F (3.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85 F (2.5 F above century average)
#27. Martin County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 75.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 66.4 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 66.4 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85 F (2.6 F above century average)
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#26. Collier County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 76.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 66.9 F (3.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 86.5 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 66.9 F (3.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 86.5 F (2.1 F above century average)
#25. Dixie County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 71 degrees Fahrenheit (2.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 60.4 F (3.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.7 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 60.4 F (3.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.7 F (2.3 F above century average)
#24. Clay County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 71.3 degrees Fahrenheit (3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 60.8 F (3.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.9 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 60.8 F (3.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.9 F (2.6 F above century average)
#23. Marion County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 72.5 degrees Fahrenheit (3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61.7 F (3.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 83.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61.7 F (3.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 83.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
#22. Seminole County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.1 degrees Fahrenheit (3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64.5 F (3.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 83.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64.5 F (3.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 83.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
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#21. Highlands County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.9 degrees Fahrenheit (3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.7 F (3.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 86.1 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.7 F (3.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 86.1 F (2.7 F above century average)
#20. Pinellas County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.9 degrees Fahrenheit (3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 66.5 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 83.3 F (3 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 66.5 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 83.3 F (3 F above century average)
#19. Palm Beach County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 76.4 degrees Fahrenheit (3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 67 F (3.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.9 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 67 F (3.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.9 F (2.6 F above century average)
#18. Monroe County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 77.9 degrees Fahrenheit (3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 70.4 F (4.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 70.4 F (4.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
#17. Duval County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 71 degrees Fahrenheit (3.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61 F (3.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.1 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61 F (3.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.1 F (3.1 F above century average)
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#16. Volusia County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit (3.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64 F (3.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.8 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64 F (3.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.8 F (2.4 F above century average)
#15. Levy County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 71.9 degrees Fahrenheit (3.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61.3 F (3.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.5 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61.3 F (3.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.5 F (2.7 F above century average)
#14. Orange County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.5 degrees Fahrenheit (3.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64.7 F (4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64.7 F (4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
#13. Broward County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 77.3 degrees Fahrenheit (3.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 68.2 F (3.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 86.3 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 68.2 F (3.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 86.3 F (2.6 F above century average)
#12. Miami-Dade County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 77.6 degrees Fahrenheit (3.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 69.5 F (4.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.7 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 69.5 F (4.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.7 F (2.1 F above century average)
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#11. Putnam County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 72.4 degrees Fahrenheit (3.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 62.3 F (4.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.6 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 62.3 F (4.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.6 F (2.5 F above century average)
#10. Lake County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 73.7 degrees Fahrenheit (3.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.1 F (3.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.3 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.1 F (3.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.3 F (2.9 F above century average)
#9. Osceola County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.9 degrees Fahrenheit (3.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 65.1 F (4.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 65.1 F (4.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
#8. Citrus County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 73.1 degrees Fahrenheit (3.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 62.7 F (3.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 83.6 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 62.7 F (3.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 83.6 F (3.1 F above century average)
#7. Sumter County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit (3.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 62.4 F (3.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.4 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 62.4 F (3.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.4 F (3.1 F above century average)
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#6. Polk County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.9 degrees Fahrenheit (3.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64.2 F (4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.6 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64.2 F (4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 85.6 F (2.9 F above century average)
#5. Pasco County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 73.9 degrees Fahrenheit (3.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.5 F (3.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.2 F (3.4 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.5 F (3.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.2 F (3.4 F above century average)
#4. Hillsborough County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 74.7 degrees Fahrenheit (3.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64.7 F (3.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.8 F (3.4 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 64.7 F (3.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84.8 F (3.4 F above century average)
#3. Hernando County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 73.6 degrees Fahrenheit (3.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.2 F (3.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84 F (3.3 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.2 F (3.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 84 F (3.3 F above century average)
#2. St. Johns County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 72.5 degrees Fahrenheit (3.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.5 F (4.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.5 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.5 F (4.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.5 F (3.1 F above century average)
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#1. Flagler County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 73.1 degrees Fahrenheit (3.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.9 F (4.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.4 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 63.9 F (4.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 82.4 F (2.9 F above century average)
