Counties in Nebraska with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Counties in Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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. Dawes County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 48.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62.9 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62.9 F (2.5 F above century average)
#49. Garfield County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 49.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.3 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.4 F (3.5 F above century average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.3 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.4 F (3.5 F above century average)
#48. Lancaster County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.7 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.5 F (3.7 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.7 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.5 F (3.7 F above century average)
#47. Sheridan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 47.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.6 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62.2 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.6 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62.2 F (2.9 F above century average)
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#46. Kimball County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 48.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.3 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.2 F (3.7 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.3 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.2 F (3.7 F above century average)
#45. McPherson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 49.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.7 F (3.5 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.7 F (3.5 F above century average)
#44. Valley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.1 F (3.5 F above century average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.1 F (3.5 F above century average)
#43. Cuming County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.6 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.6 F (3.8 F above century average)
#42. Deuel County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.6 F (3.3 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.6 F (3.3 F above century average)
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#41. Douglas County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.8 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.3 F (3.4 F above century average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.8 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.3 F (3.4 F above century average)
#40. Clay County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.8 F (3.5 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.8 F (3.5 F above century average)
#39. Saline County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.6 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.1 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.6 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.1 F (3.8 F above century average)
#38. Keya Paha County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 49.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.8 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64 F (4.3 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.8 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64 F (4.3 F above century average)
#37. Greeley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.5 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.1 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.5 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.1 F (3.8 F above century average)
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#36. Custer County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.1 F (3.7 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.1 F (3.7 F above century average)
#35. Lincoln County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.7 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.7 F (3.9 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.7 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.7 F (3.9 F above century average)
#34. Washington County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.2 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.1 F (3.6 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.2 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.1 F (3.6 F above century average)
#33. Saunders County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.4 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.5 F (3.6 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.4 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.5 F (3.6 F above century average)
#32. Hayes County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.4 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.9 F (4 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.4 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.9 F (4 F above century average)
#31. Kearney County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.4 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.8 F (3.3 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.4 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.8 F (3.3 F above century average)
#30. Adams County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.5 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.1 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.5 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.1 F (3.8 F above century average)
#29. Frontier County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.6 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.9 F (4 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.6 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.9 F (4 F above century average)
#28. Banner County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 48.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.2 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.2 F (3.8 F above century average)
#27. Cherry County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 48.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.1 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.7 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.1 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.7 F (3.8 F above century average)
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#26. Cheyenne County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.5 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.4 F (4.3 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.5 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.4 F (4.3 F above century average)
#25. Burt County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.7 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.9 F (4.2 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.7 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.9 F (4.2 F above century average)
#24. Keith County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.7 F (3.5 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.7 F (3.5 F above century average)
#23. Polk County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.4 F (0.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.3 F (4.5 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.4 F (0.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.3 F (4.5 F above century average)
#22. Grant County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 48.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.6 F (4 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.6 F (4 F above century average)
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#21. Scotts Bluff County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 49.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.5 F (4.1 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.5 F (4.1 F above century average)
#20. Madison County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.3 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.6 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.3 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.6 F (3.8 F above century average)
#19. Sherman County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.8 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.2 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.8 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.2 F (3.8 F above century average)
#18. Dodge County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.3 F (3.9 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.3 F (3.9 F above century average)
#17. Perkins County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.3 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.7 F (3.6 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.3 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.7 F (3.6 F above century average)
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#16. Howard County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.6 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.5 F (3.9 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.6 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.5 F (3.9 F above century average)
#15. Red Willow County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.1 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.3 F (4.4 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.1 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.3 F (4.4 F above century average)
#14. Garden County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 49.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.8 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.6 F (4.2 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.8 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.6 F (4.2 F above century average)
#13. Morrill County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 49.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.5 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65 F (4.3 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.5 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65 F (4.3 F above century average)
#12. Wheeler County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.4 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.8 F (4 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.4 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.8 F (4 F above century average)
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#11. Boone County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.3 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.7 F (4 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.3 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.7 F (4 F above century average)
#10. Stanton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.3 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64 F (4.2 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.3 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64 F (4.2 F above century average)
#9. Buffalo County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.7 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.8 F (3.9 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.7 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.8 F (3.9 F above century average)
#8. Platte County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.9 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.4 F (4.3 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.9 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.4 F (4.3 F above century average)
#7. Colfax County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.3 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.4 F (4.2 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.3 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.4 F (4.2 F above century average)
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#6. Nance County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.1 F (4.6 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.1 F (4.6 F above century average)
#5. Hall County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.5 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66 F (4.2 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.5 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66 F (4.2 F above century average)
#4. Chase County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.6 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.2 F (4.2 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.6 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.2 F (4.2 F above century average)
#3. Hamilton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.2 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.9 F (4.3 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.2 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.9 F (4.3 F above century average)
#2. Arthur County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.4 F (4 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.4 F (4 F above century average)
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#1. Merrick County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.6 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66 F (4.7 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.6 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66 F (4.7 F above century average)
