Counties in Montana with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Counties in Montana 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 Montana 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. Fallon County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.5 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.5 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.5 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.5 F (1.5 F above century average)
#49. Petroleum County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.7 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.6 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.6 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
#48. Richland County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.2 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.2 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.1 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.2 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.1 F (1.4 F above century average)
#47. Broadwater County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.6 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.8 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.4 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.8 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.4 F (1.3 F above century average)
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#46. Wibaux 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: 30.8 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.8 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
#45. Fergus County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.7 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.7 F (1.5 F above century average)
#44. Golden Valley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #45 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.9 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #45 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.9 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
#43. Rosebud County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.4 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.4 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.4 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.4 F (1.2 F above century average)
#42. Daniels County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.4 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.4 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52 F (1.5 F above century average)
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#41. Sheridan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.8 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.8 F (2 F above century average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.8 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.8 F (2 F above century average)
#40. Roosevelt County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.1 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #44 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.1 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
#39. Judith Basin County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.5 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.1 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.5 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.1 F (1.4 F above century average)
#38. Prairie County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.2 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.2 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
#37. Big Horn County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.3 F (2 F above century average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.3 F (2 F above century average)
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#36. Gallatin County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.7 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.7 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52 F (1.6 F above century average)
#35. Mineral County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #33 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.9 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.7 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #33 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.9 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.7 F (1.3 F above century average)
#34. McCone County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #39 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.2 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.6 F (1 F above century average)
- #39 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.2 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.6 F (1 F above century average)
#33. Dawson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
#32. Custer County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #40 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.4 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #40 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.4 F (1.2 F above century average)
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#31. Madison County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #33 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.7 F (2 F above century average)
- #33 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.7 F (2 F above century average)
#30. Sweet Grass County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #37 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.1 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #37 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.1 F (1.9 F above century average)
#29. Wheatland County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.3 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.3 F (1.9 F above century average)
#28. Phillips County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #41 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.4 F (2 F above century average)
- #41 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.4 F (2 F above century average)
#27. Garfield County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.4 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.4 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
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#26. Meagher County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.3 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.3 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
#25. Valley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #40 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #40 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (1.8 F above century average)
#24. Missoula County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #28 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.2 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.2 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #28 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.2 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.2 F (1.9 F above century average)
#23. Powder River County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #39 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.9 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 59.4 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #39 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.9 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 59.4 F (1.9 F above century average)
#22. Park County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #31 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.3 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.3 F (2 F above century average)
- #31 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.3 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.3 F (2 F above century average)
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#21. Flathead County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #33 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.7 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #33 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.7 F (1.8 F above century average)
#20. Lewis and Clark County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.7 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.7 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
#19. Lake County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #31 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.7 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #31 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.7 F (1.8 F above century average)
#18. Carter County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #32 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.6 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #32 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.6 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
#17. Beaverhead County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 38.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #27 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.8 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 49.9 F (2 F above century average)
- #27 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.8 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 49.9 F (2 F above century average)
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#16. Powell County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #30 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.1 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #30 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.1 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
#15. Ravalli County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #24 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.4 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.4 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #24 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.4 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.4 F (2.5 F above century average)
#14. Blaine County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.1 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.1 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
#13. Hill County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #36 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.7 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.4 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #36 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.7 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.4 F (2.2 F above century average)
#12. Lincoln County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #29 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.5 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #29 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.5 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
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#11. Teton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.6 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.3 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.6 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.3 F (1.5 F above century average)
#10. Carbon County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #30 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.5 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #30 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.5 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
#9. Chouteau County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #34 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.9 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #34 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.9 F (2.1 F above century average)
#8. Jefferson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #27 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.7 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.4 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #27 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.7 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.4 F (2.8 F above century average)
#7. Liberty County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.6 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.6 F (2.3 F above century average)
#6. Granite County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.5 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.5 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
#5. Glacier County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.9 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.9 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51 F (2.3 F above century average)
#4. Pondera County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #34 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.9 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.5 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #34 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.9 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.5 F (1.7 F above century average)
#3. Toole County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #36 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #36 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
#2. Deer Lodge County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 38.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.1 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.6 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.1 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.6 F (3.1 F above century average)
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#1. Silver Bow County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.7 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.2 F (3 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.7 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.2 F (3 F above century average)
