Counties in Missouri with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Counties in Missouri 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 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 Missouri 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. Howard County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.7 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.7 F (2.2 F above century average)
#49. Washington County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.3 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.4 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.3 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.4 F (2.1 F above century average)
#48. Gasconade County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68 F (2.1 F above century average)
#47. Franklin County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.3 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.3 F (2.2 F above century average)
#46. Stone County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.2 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.2 F (2.2 F above century average)
#45. Pemiscot County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
#44. Johnson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.3 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.3 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.3 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.3 F (2.3 F above century average)
#43. Morgan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.3 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.3 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68 F (2.1 F above century average)
#42. Christian County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.8 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.4 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.8 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.4 F (2.5 F above century average)
#41. St. Louis City
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.4 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.4 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68 F (2.3 F above century average)
#40. Clay County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.7 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.8 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.7 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.8 F (2.7 F above century average)
#39. Warren County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.2 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.2 F (2.3 F above century average)
#38. Boone County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.7 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.9 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.7 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.9 F (2.3 F above century average)
#37. Cooper County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.4 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.4 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.4 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.4 F (2.2 F above century average)
#36. Webster County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.4 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.4 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
#35. St. Charles County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.9 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.9 F (2.4 F above century average)
#34. Dallas County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69 F (2.4 F above century average)
#33. St. Louis County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68 F (2.4 F above century average)
#32. Hickory County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.5 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.8 F (2 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.5 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.8 F (2 F above century average)
#31. Platte County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67 F (2.7 F above century average)
#30. Jackson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67 F (2.5 F above century average)
#29. Moniteau County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
#28. Wright County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.5 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.5 F (2.3 F above century average)
#27. Jefferson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.8 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.8 F (2.6 F above century average)
#26. Douglas County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.5 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.5 F (2.6 F above century average)
#25. Lawrence County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.2 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.5 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.2 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.5 F (2.2 F above century average)
#24. Barry County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.7 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.9 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.7 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.9 F (2.2 F above century average)
#23. Callaway County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.5 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.5 F (2.6 F above century average)
#22. Cass County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.5 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.5 F (2.5 F above century average)
#21. Osage County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.2 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.6 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.2 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.6 F (2.4 F above century average)
#20. Phelps County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.1 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.1 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69 F (1.9 F above century average)
#19. Maries County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.8 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.8 F (2.3 F above century average)
#18. Greene County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
#17. Dade County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.3 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.2 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.3 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.2 F (2.7 F above century average)
#16. Taney County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.6 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.5 F (3.2 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.6 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.5 F (3.2 F above century average)
#15. Jasper County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.2 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.8 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.2 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.8 F (2.9 F above century average)
#14. Texas County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
#13. Cole County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
#12. Laclede County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
#11. Cedar County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.5 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.2 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.5 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.2 F (2.7 F above century average)
#10. Shannon County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.3 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
#9. Polk County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.8 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.8 F (2.9 F above century average)
#8. Ozark County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.8 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.8 F (2.7 F above century average)
#7. Camden County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.8 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.8 F (2.9 F above century average)
#6. McDonald County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.5 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.5 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.5 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.5 F (2.9 F above century average)
#5. Miller County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.4 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.4 F (2.8 F above century average)
#4. Newton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.6 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (3.2 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.6 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (3.2 F above century average)
#3. Pulaski County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.7 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.7 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70 F (2.9 F above century average)
#2. Oregon County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.5 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.5 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
#1. Howell County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.5 degrees Fahrenheit (3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.4 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.5 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.4 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.5 F (3.1 F above century average)
