Parishes in Louisiana with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Parishes in Louisiana 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 parish 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 parishes in Louisiana 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 parish is also included.
#50. St. Martin Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.4 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.4 F (1.2 F above century average)
#49. La Salle Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.9 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.9 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.9 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.9 F (1.7 F above century average)
#48. Catahoula Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.3 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.3 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79 F (1.8 F above century average)
#47. Concordia Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79 F (1.5 F above century average)
#46. Iberville Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.4 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.4 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
#45. St. Mary Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61.2 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.2 F (0.9 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61.2 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.2 F (0.9 F above century average)
#44. Tensas Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.8 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.8 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
#43. West Feliciana Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.4 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.6 F (0.7 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.4 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.6 F (0.7 F above century average)
#42. West Baton Rouge Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.7 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.7 F (1.3 F above century average)
#41. Ascension Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.4 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.8 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.4 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.8 F (1.7 F above century average)
#40. St. James Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
#39. Assumption Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.6 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.3 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.6 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.3 F (1.3 F above century average)
#38. Terrebonne Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 62 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 62 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
#37. Winn Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.3 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.3 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
#36. East Feliciana Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.2 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.2 F (1.3 F above century average)
#35. East Baton Rouge Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.6 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.8 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.6 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.8 F (1.7 F above century average)
#34. Lafourche Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61.5 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.3 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61.5 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.3 F (1.6 F above century average)
#33. Claiborne Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.1 F (2 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.1 F (2 F above century average)
#32. Richland Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.2 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.2 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
#31. Caldwell Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.2 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.7 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.2 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.7 F (2.3 F above century average)
#30. Franklin Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.8 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.8 F (2.3 F above century average)
#29. Beauregard Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.3 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.5 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.3 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.5 F (1.7 F above century average)
#28. Livingston Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.1 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.1 F (2.1 F above century average)
#27. Ouachita Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
#26. Madison Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.2 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.2 F (2.1 F above century average)
#25. Natchitoches Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.2 F (2 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.2 F (2 F above century average)
#24. St. Helena Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
#23. St. John the Baptist Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.2 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.2 F (2.1 F above century average)
#22. St. Charles Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 60.3 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.2 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 60.3 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.2 F (2.1 F above century average)
#21. Union Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.3 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.6 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.3 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.6 F (2.3 F above century average)
#20. Jefferson Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61.4 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.8 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61.4 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.8 F (2.4 F above century average)
#19. Morehouse Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.7 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.9 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.7 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.9 F (2.4 F above century average)
#18. Tangipahoa Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.7 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.2 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.7 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.2 F (2.8 F above century average)
#17. Plaquemines Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 62.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 62.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
#16. Lincoln Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.6 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.7 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.6 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.7 F (2.6 F above century average)
#15. Jackson Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
#14. West Carroll Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.3 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.3 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
#13. East Carroll Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.5 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.8 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.5 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.8 F (2.4 F above century average)
#12. Webster Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.2 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.2 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
#11. St. Bernard Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61.7 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.9 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 61.7 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.9 F (2.8 F above century average)
#10. Caddo Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.9 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.9 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.9 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.9 F (2.8 F above century average)
#9. Vernon Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.1 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.8 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.1 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.8 F (2.4 F above century average)
#8. Washington Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.4 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.4 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
#7. Orleans Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 70.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 60.9 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.6 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 60.9 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.6 F (2.9 F above century average)
#6. De Soto Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.3 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.3 F (2.7 F above century average)
#5. St. Tammany Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.4 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.4 F (3.1 F above century average)
#4. Bienville Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.3 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.6 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.3 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.6 F (2.8 F above century average)
#3. Bossier Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.8 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.6 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.8 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.6 F (2.8 F above century average)
#2. Sabine Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.7 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.7 F (2.7 F above century average)
#1. Red River Parish
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.5 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.5 F (2.9 F above century average)
