Counties in South Carolina with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
Canva
Counties in South Carolina 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.
1 / 47
Stacker
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 South Carolina 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.
2 / 47
Bill Fitzpatrick // Wikimedia Commons
#46. Bamberg County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.3 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.8 F (1.1 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.3 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.8 F (1.1 F above century average)
3 / 47
Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons
#45. Oconee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.8 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.8 F (1 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.8 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.8 F (1 F above century average)
4 / 47
Canva
#44. Georgetown County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.3 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.1 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.3 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.1 F (1.4 F above century average)
5 / 47
Upstateherd // Wikimedia Commons
#43. Fairfield County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.7 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.7 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
6 / 47
Canva
#42. Chester County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.7 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.2 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.7 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.2 F (1.4 F above century average)
7 / 47
Canva
#41. Union County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.7 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.1 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.7 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.1 F (1.4 F above century average)
8 / 47
Bill Fitzpatrick // Wikimedia Commons
#40. Laurens County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
9 / 47
Calvin Beale // Wikimedia Commons
#39. Barnwell County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.4 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.4 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
10 / 47
Ammodramus // Wikimedia Commons
#38. Orangeburg County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
11 / 47
Upstateherd // Wikimedia Commons
#37. Allendale County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.7 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.7 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
12 / 47
Morder // Wikimedia Commons
#36. Cherokee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.5 F (2 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.5 F (2 F above century average)
13 / 47
NatalieMaynor // Wikimedia Commons
#35. Newberry County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
14 / 47
Bill Fitzpatrick // Wikimedia Commons
#34. Greenwood County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.5 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.8 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.5 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.8 F (1.7 F above century average)
15 / 47
Pollinator // Wikimedia Commons
#33. Horry County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.1 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.4 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.1 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.4 F (1.4 F above century average)
16 / 47
Canva
#32. Richland County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.2 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.2 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
17 / 47
Bill Fitzpatrick // Wikimedia Commons
#31. Calhoun County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.9 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.9 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.9 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.9 F (1.7 F above century average)
18 / 47
Upstateherd // Wikimedia Commons
#30. Clarendon County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.9 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.9 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
19 / 47
Pollinator // Wikimedia Commons
#29. Williamsburg County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.6 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.6 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
20 / 47
Connor401 // Wikimedia Commons
#28. York County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.9 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.9 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74 F (2.3 F above century average)
21 / 47
Farrargirl // Wikimedia Commons
#27. McCormick County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.4 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.4 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
22 / 47
Pollinator // Wikimedia Commons
#26. Sumter County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.7 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.7 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
23 / 47
KudzuVine // Wikimedia Commons
#25. Pickens County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.5 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.5 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72 F (1.7 F above century average)
24 / 47
Canva
#24. Spartanburg County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.6 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.1 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.6 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.1 F (1.9 F above century average)
25 / 47
Calatayudboy // Wikimedia Commons
#23. Lancaster County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.4 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.5 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.4 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.5 F (2.2 F above century average)
26 / 47
Brian Scott // Wikimedia Commons
#22. Abbeville County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.3 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.4 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.3 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.4 F (1.9 F above century average)
27 / 47
Pollinator // Wikimedia Commons
#21. Kershaw County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
28 / 47
Bill Fitzpatrick // Wikimedia Commons
#20. Saluda County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.6 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.6 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.6 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.6 F (1.7 F above century average)
29 / 47
Itsbrandoyo // Wikimedia Commons
#19. Berkeley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.1 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.4 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.1 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.4 F (1.6 F above century average)
30 / 47
Lazyksaw // Wikimedia Commons
#18. Dorchester County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.8 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.7 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.8 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.7 F (1.6 F above century average)
31 / 47
Ralph Hightower // Wikimedia Commons
#17. Lexington County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.4 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.4 F (2.2 F above century average)
32 / 47
ProfReader // Wikimedia Commons
#16. Marion County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.7 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.7 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
33 / 47
Upstateherd // Wikimedia Commons
#15. Colleton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
34 / 47
Ffuhr // Wikimedia Commons
#14. Hampton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.7 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.9 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.7 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.9 F (2.1 F above century average)
35 / 47
Canva
#13. Greenville County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.7 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.7 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
36 / 47
Upstateherd // Wikimedia Commons
#12. Chesterfield County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.8 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.8 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75 F (2.2 F above century average)
37 / 47
Upstateherd // Wikimedia Commons
#11. Edgefield County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.2 F (3.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.2 F (3.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
38 / 47
Festiva76 // Wikimedia Commons
#10. Aiken County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.7 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.7 F (1.7 F above century average)
39 / 47
Upstateherd // Wikimedia Commons
#9. Anderson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.8 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.9 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.8 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.9 F (2.4 F above century average)
40 / 47
Ammodramus // Wikimedia Commons
#8. Lee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.1 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.1 F (2.2 F above century average)
41 / 47
Robert Thomas Mckenzie Jr // Wikimedia Commons
#7. Florence County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.6 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.6 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77 F (2.3 F above century average)
42 / 47
Canva
#6. Charleston County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.2 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.1 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.2 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.1 F (1.9 F above century average)
43 / 47
Bill Fitzpatrick // Wikimedia Commons
#5. Jasper County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.4 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.7 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.4 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.7 F (2.7 F above century average)
44 / 47
Jud McCranie // Wikimedia Commons
#4. Darlington County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.3 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.3 F (2.6 F above century average)
45 / 47
Calvin Beale // Wikimedia Commons
#3. Marlboro County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.9 F (2.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.9 F (2.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
46 / 47
Bill Fitzpatrick // Wikimedia Commons
#2. Dillon County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.3 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.3 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
47 / 47
Canva
#1. Beaufort County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.7 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.2 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 58.7 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.2 F (2.9 F above century average)
