Counties in Oklahoma with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Counties in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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. Osage County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.6 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.5 F (3.4 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.6 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.5 F (3.4 F above century average)
#49. Lincoln County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.9 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.9 F (3.9 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.9 F (0.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.9 F (3.9 F above century average)
#48. Sequoyah County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.1 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.7 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.1 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.7 F (3.1 F above century average)
#47. Cleveland County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.6 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.4 F (3.2 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.6 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.4 F (3.2 F above century average)
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#46. Seminole County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.9 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.8 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.9 F (3.1 F above century average)
#45. Haskell County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.6 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (3.5 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.6 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (3.5 F above century average)
#44. Pushmataha County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.3 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.9 F (3.2 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.3 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.9 F (3.2 F above century average)
#43. Atoka County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.3 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.8 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.3 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.8 F (3.1 F above century average)
#42. Beaver County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.6 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.6 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74 F (3.8 F above century average)
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#41. Washita County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.8 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.7 F (3.9 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.8 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.7 F (3.9 F above century average)
#40. Caddo County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.5 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.5 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (3.8 F above century average)
#39. Le Flore County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.2 F (3.3 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.2 F (3.3 F above century average)
#38. McClain County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.6 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.6 F (3.1 F above century average)
#37. Coal County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.7 F (3 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.7 F (3 F above century average)
#36. Texas County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.6 F (3.2 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.6 F (3.2 F above century average)
#35. Harper County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.4 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.8 F (3.9 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.4 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.8 F (3.9 F above century average)
#34. Woodward County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.9 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.6 F (4 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.9 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.6 F (4 F above century average)
#33. Ottawa County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (3.1 F above century average)
#32. Major County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.4 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.2 F (4 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.4 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.2 F (4 F above century average)
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#31. Grady County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.7 F (3.5 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.7 F (3.5 F above century average)
#30. Kiowa County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.6 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.6 F (3.8 F above century average)
#29. Pontotoc County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
#28. Woods County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.8 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.8 F (4.2 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.8 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.8 F (4.2 F above century average)
#27. Alfalfa County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.7 F (3.9 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.7 F (3.9 F above century average)
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#26. Kay County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.1 F (4 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.1 F (4 F above century average)
#25. Blaine County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.1 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (4.3 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.1 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (4.3 F above century average)
#24. Kingfisher County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.1 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.9 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.1 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.9 F (3.8 F above century average)
#23. Oklahoma County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.3 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.6 F (4 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.3 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.6 F (4 F above century average)
#22. Choctaw County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.3 F (3.3 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.3 F (3.3 F above century average)
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#21. Johnston County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.3 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.3 F (2.8 F above century average)
#20. Cotton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.8 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.6 F (3.5 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.8 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.6 F (3.5 F above century average)
#19. Marshall County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.8 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.8 F (2.8 F above century average)
#18. Ellis County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.6 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.6 F (4.2 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.6 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.6 F (4.2 F above century average)
#17. Grant County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.6 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.3 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.6 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.3 F (3.8 F above century average)
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#16. Dewey County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.1 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75 F (4.4 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.1 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75 F (4.4 F above century average)
#15. Custer County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.6 F (4.4 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.6 F (4.4 F above century average)
#14. Pawnee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.6 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.7 F (3.6 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.6 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.7 F (3.6 F above century average)
#13. Logan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.5 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.8 F (4.3 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.5 F (0.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.8 F (4.3 F above century average)
#12. Noble County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.1 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.1 F (4.1 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.1 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.1 F (4.1 F above century average)
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#11. Payne County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (4.1 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (4.1 F above century average)
#10. Tillman County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.6 F (3.7 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.6 F (3.7 F above century average)
#9. Garfield County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.5 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.8 F (4 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.5 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.8 F (4 F above century average)
#8. Canadian County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.4 F (4.1 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.4 F (4.1 F above century average)
#7. Greer County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.6 F (4.2 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.7 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.6 F (4.2 F above century average)
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#6. Harmon County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.2 F (3.9 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.2 F (3.9 F above century average)
#5. Jackson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.4 F (4 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.8 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.4 F (4 F above century average)
#4. Bryan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.4 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.4 F (3.4 F above century average)
- #3 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.4 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.4 F (3.4 F above century average)
#3. Roger Mills County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.6 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76 F (4.7 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.6 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76 F (4.7 F above century average)
#2. McCurtain County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.1 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.5 F (3.8 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.1 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.5 F (3.8 F above century average)
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#1. Beckham County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit (3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.9 F (4.8 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.9 F (4.8 F above century average)
