See the most extreme temperatures in Maine history
On July 9, 2021, California's Death Valley reached 130 degrees Fahrenheit, according to an automated measuring system there, representing one of the highest temperatures ever recorded on the planet. The world record, also recorded at Death Valley, was 134 degrees in July 1913.
More than 210 degrees Fahrenheit separates the highest and the lowest temperatures on record in the United States, the third-largest country in the world. As some states are infamous for having blistering hot summers, others become inundated by winter storms and frigid cold. The contiguous U.S. had its warmest meteorological summer (June-August) on record in 2021, according to NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
Stacker consulted 2021 data from the NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) to illustrate the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in each state. Each slide also reveals the all-time highest 24-hour precipitation record and all-time highest 24-hour snowfall.
Keep reading to find out your state's record, or see the national list here.
Maine by the numbers
- All-time highest temperature: 105° F (North Bridgton on July 10, 1911)
- All-time lowest temperature: -50° F (Big Black River (near Saint Pamphile, Pq) on Jan. 16, 2009)
- All-time highest 24-hour precipitation: 13.32 inches (Portland Jetport on Oct. 20–21, 1996)
- All-time highest 24-hour snowfall: 40 inches (Orono on Dec. 30, 1962)
The flood of Southern Maine in 1996 resulted in the state's highest rainfall or precipitation levels on Oct. 20–21, 1996, that was recorded at the Portland Jetport. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the severe flooding resulted in one death and damaged more than 2,100 homes and businesses. Most recently, on April 21, 2019, huge amounts of snow that had accumulated across Maine resulted in several minor and major floods.
Continue below to see the most extreme temperatures in the history of other states in your region.
New Hampshire by the numbers
- All-time highest temperature: 106° F (Nashua 2 Nnw on July 4, 1911)
- All-time lowest temperature: -50° F (Mount Washington on Jan. 22, 1885)
- All-time highest 24-hour precipitation: 11.07 inches (Mount Washington on Oct.20–21, 1996)
- All-time highest 24-hour snowfall: 49.3 inches (Mount Washington on Feb. 25, 1969)
New Hampshire's "100-Hour Snowstorm of February 1969" produced record snowfall for New Hampshire. Even the neighboring states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, and Vermont were affected by the massive snowstorm.
Vermont by the numbers
- All-time highest temperature: 107° F (Vernon on July 7, 1912)
- All-time lowest temperature: -50° F (Bloomfield on Dec. 30, 1933)
- All-time highest 24-hour precipitation: 9.92 inches (Mount Mansfield on Sept.17, 1999)
- All-time highest 24-hour snowfall: 42 inches (Jay Peak on Feb.5, 1995)
Bloomfield, a town with a tiny population of 221 people (as of the 2010 census), recorded the state's most unbearably cold temperature in 1933. Normally, the average temperature during winter in the state ranges between 2 degrees to 12 degrees.
