Counties in Minnesota with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Counties in Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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. Houston County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #54 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.5 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.2 F (0.3 F above century average)
- #54 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.5 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.2 F (0.3 F above century average)
#49. Mille Lacs County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.2 degrees Fahrenheit (0.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #54 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.7 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
- #54 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.7 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
#48. Kandiyohi County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
#47. Steele County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #50 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (0.3 F above century average)
- #50 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (0.3 F above century average)
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#46. Yellow Medicine County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.3 degrees Fahrenheit (0.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.9 F (0.1 F above century average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.9 F (0.1 F above century average)
#45. Freeborn County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.3 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.7 F (0.4 F above century average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.3 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.7 F (0.4 F above century average)
#44. Lake of the Woods County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 37 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #53 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 47.3 F (-0.4 F below century average)
- #53 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 47.3 F (-0.4 F below century average)
#43. Todd County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.3 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.3 F (1 F above century average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.3 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.3 F (1 F above century average)
#42. Morrison County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.3 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
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#41. Sherburne County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #53 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.7 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53 F (0.5 F above century average)
- #53 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.7 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53 F (0.5 F above century average)
#40. Big Stone County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (0.7 F above century average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (0.7 F above century average)
#39. Wright County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.3 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #50 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.7 F (0.7 F above century average)
- #50 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.7 F (0.7 F above century average)
#38. Anoka County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #52 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.7 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.9 F (0.6 F above century average)
- #52 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.7 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.9 F (0.6 F above century average)
#37. Chippewa County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #48 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.9 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.6 F (0.4 F above century average)
- #48 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.9 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.6 F (0.4 F above century average)
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#36. Olmsted County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #53 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.4 F (0.4 F above century average)
- #53 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.4 F (0.4 F above century average)
#35. McLeod County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #48 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.3 F (0.6 F above century average)
- #48 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.3 F (0.6 F above century average)
#34. Washington County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.3 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #52 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.5 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.1 F (0.4 F above century average)
- #52 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.5 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.1 F (0.4 F above century average)
#33. Winona County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.9 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.6 F (0.6 F above century average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.9 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.6 F (0.6 F above century average)
#32. Dakota County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #48 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.8 F (0.6 F above century average)
- #48 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.8 F (0.6 F above century average)
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#31. Scott County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
#30. Pine County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.6 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.3 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.9 F (0.1 F above century average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.3 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.9 F (0.1 F above century average)
#29. Douglas County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.5 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.5 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
#28. Grant County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.4 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.4 F (0.8 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.4 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.4 F (0.8 F above century average)
#27. Benton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #50 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
- #50 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
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#26. Dodge County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.5 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54 F (0.5 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.5 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54 F (0.5 F above century average)
#25. Renville County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55 F (0.4 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55 F (0.4 F above century average)
#24. Carver County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
#23. Lyon County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.1 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55 F (0.3 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.1 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55 F (0.3 F above century average)
#22. Sibley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.8 F (0.3 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.8 F (0.3 F above century average)
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#21. Redwood County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.3 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.6 F (0.3 F above century average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.3 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.6 F (0.3 F above century average)
#20. Martin County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.2 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.7 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.7 F (0.8 F above century average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.7 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.7 F (0.8 F above century average)
#19. Roseau County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 37.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #50 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.7 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 47.6 F (0.2 F above century average)
- #50 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.7 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 47.6 F (0.2 F above century average)
#18. Kittson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 37.7 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.5 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 47.9 F (0.3 F above century average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.5 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 47.9 F (0.3 F above century average)
#17. Crow Wing County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
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#16. Swift County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.2 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.3 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.1 F (0.9 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.3 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.1 F (0.9 F above century average)
#15. Mower County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (0.4 F above century average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (0.4 F above century average)
#14. Murray County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.2 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.7 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.6 F (0.4 F above century average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.7 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.6 F (0.4 F above century average)
#13. Nobles County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.8 F (0.7 F above century average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.8 F (0.7 F above century average)
#12. Ramsey County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
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#11. Stearns County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.9 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.6 F (1.1 F above century average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.9 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.6 F (1.1 F above century average)
#10. Stevens County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #45 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.9 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.4 F (1.1 F above century average)
- #45 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.9 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.4 F (1.1 F above century average)
#9. Lincoln County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.6 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.8 F (0.2 F above century average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.6 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.8 F (0.2 F above century average)
#8. Brown County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #45 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.8 F (0.5 F above century average)
- #45 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.8 F (0.5 F above century average)
#7. Pope County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #39 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.6 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.7 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #39 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.6 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.7 F (1.2 F above century average)
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#6. Hennepin County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #40 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.6 F (1 F above century average)
- #40 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.6 F (1 F above century average)
#5. Pipestone County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.1 F (0.5 F above century average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.1 F (0.5 F above century average)
#4. Watonwan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
#3. Jackson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #30 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.4 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #30 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.4 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
#2. Cottonwood County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #32 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- #32 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
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#1. Rock County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #29 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.4 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #29 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.4 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57 F (1.3 F above century average)
