Counties in North Dakota with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Counties in North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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.
#38. Walsh County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 38 degrees Fahrenheit (0.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #69 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 48.2 F (-0.4 F below century average)
- #69 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.9 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 48.2 F (-0.4 F below century average)
#37. Kidder County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.6 degrees Fahrenheit (0.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #61 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.5 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.6 F (-0.1 F below century average)
- #61 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.5 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.6 F (-0.1 F below century average)
#36. Nelson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 38 degrees Fahrenheit (0.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #67 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.7 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 48.3 F (-0.7 F below century average)
- #67 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.7 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 48.3 F (-0.7 F below century average)
#35. Griggs County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 38.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #62 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.1 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 49.4 F (-0.7 F below century average)
- #62 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.1 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 49.4 F (-0.7 F below century average)
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#34. Foster County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #64 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.1 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.1 F (-0.4 F below century average)
- #64 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.1 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.1 F (-0.4 F below century average)
#33. Ward County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #59 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.4 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.6 F (0 F below century average)
- #59 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.4 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.6 F (0 F below century average)
#32. Burleigh County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #60 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.9 F (0.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.9 F (0.4 F above century average)
- #60 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.9 F (0.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.9 F (0.4 F above century average)
#31. Emmons County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.6 degrees Fahrenheit (0.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #60 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.9 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.4 F (0.2 F above century average)
- #60 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.9 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.4 F (0.2 F above century average)
#30. Cavalier County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 36.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #64 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.4 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 46.5 F (-0.6 F below century average)
- #64 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.4 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 46.5 F (-0.6 F below century average)
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#29. Pembina County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 37.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #67 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.9 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 47.8 F (-0.4 F below century average)
- #67 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.9 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 47.8 F (-0.4 F below century average)
#28. Eddy County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 38.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #61 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.2 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 49.6 F (-0.4 F below century average)
- #61 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.2 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 49.6 F (-0.4 F below century average)
#27. McIntosh County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #56 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.7 F (-0.6 F below century average)
- #56 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.7 F (-0.6 F below century average)
#26. LaMoure County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #57 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.1 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.8 F (-0.4 F below century average)
- #57 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.1 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.8 F (-0.4 F below century average)
#25. Pierce County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 38.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #58 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 49.5 F (-0.2 F below century average)
- #58 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 49.5 F (-0.2 F below century average)
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#24. Mountrail County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.3 degrees Fahrenheit (0.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #53 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.7 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.9 F (0.4 F above century average)
- #53 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.7 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.9 F (0.4 F above century average)
#23. Barnes County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #57 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.9 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.3 F (0.2 F above century average)
- #57 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.9 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.3 F (0.2 F above century average)
#22. Stutsman County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #55 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.3 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.9 F (-0.2 F below century average)
- #55 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.3 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.9 F (-0.2 F below century average)
#21. Logan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #55 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.3 F (-0.5 F below century average)
- #55 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.3 F (-0.5 F below century average)
#20. McLean County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #54 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.9 F (0.6 F above century average)
- #54 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.9 F (0.6 F above century average)
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#19. Mercer County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.3 degrees Fahrenheit (0.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #55 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.4 F (0.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.3 F (0.7 F above century average)
- #55 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.4 F (0.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.3 F (0.7 F above century average)
#18. Morton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #57 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.2 F (0 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 53.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
- #57 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.2 F (0 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 53.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
#17. Ramsey County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 38.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #56 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.8 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 48.4 F (-0.6 F below century average)
- #56 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.8 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 48.4 F (-0.6 F below century average)
#16. Benson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 38.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #55 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.5 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 49.4 F (-0.3 F below century average)
- #55 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 27.5 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 49.4 F (-0.3 F below century average)
#15. Sioux County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.6 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #53 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.8 F (0 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 55.3 F (1 F above century average)
- #53 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.8 F (0 F below century average)
- Recent average high: 55.3 F (1 F above century average)
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#14. Divide County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 38.7 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.5 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.5 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
#13. Stark County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #54 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.4 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.3 F (1 F above century average)
- #54 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.4 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.3 F (1 F above century average)
#12. Grant County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.2 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.4 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.4 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
#11. Rolette County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 37 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 47.6 F (-0.1 F below century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 47.6 F (-0.1 F below century average)
#10. Billings County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.3 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.9 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.7 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #51 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.9 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.7 F (1.3 F above century average)
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#9. Golden Valley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.7 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #50 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.1 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.3 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #50 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.1 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.3 F (1.2 F above century average)
#8. Towner County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 37.3 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 48 F (-0.1 F below century average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 26.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 48 F (-0.1 F below century average)
#7. Dunn County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.6 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #48 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.6 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.8 F (1.1 F above century average)
- #48 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.6 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.8 F (1.1 F above century average)
#6. Hettinger County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.3 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.3 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
#5. Slope County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #48 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #48 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
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#4. Williams County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.4 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.4 F (1.3 F above century average)
#3. McKenzie County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.6 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.7 F (1 F above century average)
- #47 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.6 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.7 F (1 F above century average)
#2. Bowman County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.8 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.3 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #46 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.8 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.3 F (1.7 F above century average)
#1. Adams County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #41 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.5 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.9 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #41 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.5 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.9 F (1.8 F above century average)
