Counties in Kansas with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Counties in Kansas 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 Kansas 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. Greenwood County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.1 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.7 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.1 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.7 F (2.6 F above century average)
#49. Wilson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.7 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.8 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.7 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.8 F (2.7 F above century average)
#48. Rawlins County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.9 F (-0.2 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 69.3 F (4.3 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.9 F (-0.2 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 69.3 F (4.3 F above century average)
#47. Clay County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.6 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.5 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.6 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.5 F (2.8 F above century average)
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#46. Johnson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.1 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.5 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.1 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.5 F (2.8 F above century average)
#45. Ellsworth County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.5 F (-0.1 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 70.4 F (4.1 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.5 F (-0.1 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 70.4 F (4.1 F above century average)
#44. Marion County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.7 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.5 F (3.3 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.7 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.5 F (3.3 F above century average)
#43. Meade County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.5 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.4 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.5 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.4 F (3.8 F above century average)
#42. Cowley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.7 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72 F (3.5 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.7 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72 F (3.5 F above century average)
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#41. Harper County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73 F (3.4 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73 F (3.4 F above century average)
#40. Thomas County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37 F (-0.4 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 69.6 F (4.6 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37 F (-0.4 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 69.6 F (4.6 F above century average)
#39. Jewell County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 40.3 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.9 F (3.3 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 40.3 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.9 F (3.3 F above century average)
#38. Logan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.3 F (0 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 70.3 F (4.1 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.3 F (0 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 70.3 F (4.1 F above century average)
#37. Russell County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.2 F (0.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.9 F (4.1 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.2 F (0.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.9 F (4.1 F above century average)
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#36. Wyandotte County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.7 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.7 F (2.9 F above century average)
#35. Seward County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.1 F (3.5 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.1 F (3.5 F above century average)
#34. Butler County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.9 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.6 F (3.3 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.9 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.6 F (3.3 F above century average)
#33. Woodson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.7 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.7 F (2.6 F above century average)
#32. Clark County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.2 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.2 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74 F (3.8 F above century average)
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#31. Sumner County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.5 F (3.3 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.5 F (3.3 F above century average)
#30. Cherokee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.5 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.5 F (3.1 F above century average)
#29. Decatur County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.4 F (0 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 69.6 F (4.4 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.4 F (0 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 69.6 F (4.4 F above century average)
#28. Wallace County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.2 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.2 F (4.2 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.2 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.2 F (4.2 F above century average)
#27. Republic County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.5 F (3.4 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.5 F (3.4 F above century average)
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#26. Kearny County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.4 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.8 F (4.3 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.4 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.8 F (4.3 F above century average)
#25. Leavenworth County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.6 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.5 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.6 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.5 F (2.8 F above century average)
#24. Lincoln County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.6 F (0 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 70.5 F (4.4 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.6 F (0 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 70.5 F (4.4 F above century average)
#23. Shawnee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.3 F (3 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.3 F (3 F above century average)
#22. Gray County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 40.4 F (0.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.4 F (4.4 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 40.4 F (0.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.4 F (4.4 F above century average)
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#21. Dickinson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.6 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.5 F (3.3 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.6 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.5 F (3.3 F above century average)
#20. Lyon County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.1 F (3.2 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.1 F (3.2 F above century average)
#19. Sedgwick County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.2 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.8 F (3.6 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.2 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.8 F (3.6 F above century average)
#18. Lane County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.2 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.3 F (4.1 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.2 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.3 F (4.1 F above century average)
#17. Finney County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.4 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.1 F (4.5 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.4 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.1 F (4.5 F above century average)
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#16. Osage County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.3 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.3 F (2.8 F above century average)
#15. Hodgeman County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.1 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.6 F (4.4 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.1 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.6 F (4.4 F above century average)
#14. McPherson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.6 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.5 F (4.3 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.6 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.5 F (4.3 F above century average)
#13. Harvey County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.4 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.4 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (3.8 F above century average)
#12. Scott County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.9 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (4.2 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.9 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (4.2 F above century average)
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#11. Cloud County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.4 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.8 F (3.7 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.4 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.8 F (3.7 F above century average)
#10. Ottawa County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.8 F (4.1 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.8 F (4.1 F above century average)
#9. Saline County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.5 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.5 F (4.2 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.5 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.5 F (4.2 F above century average)
#8. Edwards County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (4.5 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (4.5 F above century average)
#7. Ford County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.5 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.7 F (4.3 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.5 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.7 F (4.3 F above century average)
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#6. Coffey County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.7 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.3 F (3 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.7 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.3 F (3 F above century average)
#5. Barber County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.2 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.8 F (4.4 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.2 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.8 F (4.4 F above century average)
#4. Sherman County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.1 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.9 F (4.6 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.1 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.9 F (4.6 F above century average)
#3. Kiowa County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.7 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73 F (4.5 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.7 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73 F (4.5 F above century average)
#2. Pratt County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.4 F (0.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (4.8 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.4 F (0.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (4.8 F above century average)
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#1. Comanche County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.8 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.2 F (4.4 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.8 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.2 F (4.4 F above century average)
