Counties in Tennessee with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Counties in Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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. Sevier County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.3 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.6 F (2 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.3 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.6 F (2 F above century average)
#49. Pickett County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.2 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.2 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69 F (1.4 F above century average)
#48. Bledsoe County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.4 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.4 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
#47. Putnam County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.8 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.7 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.8 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.7 F (1.6 F above century average)
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#46. Sequatchie County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
#45. Clay County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.7 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.7 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71 F (1.7 F above century average)
#44. Hamblen County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.2 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.5 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.2 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.5 F (2.2 F above century average)
#43. Monroe County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.3 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.9 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.3 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.9 F (2.4 F above century average)
#42. Polk County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.7 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.7 F (2.2 F above century average)
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#41. Moore County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.3 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.8 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.3 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.8 F (1.6 F above century average)
#40. Bedford County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.1 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.1 F (1.6 F above century average)
#39. Perry County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.4 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.2 F (0.9 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.4 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.2 F (0.9 F above century average)
#38. Crockett County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
#37. Dyer County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.7 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.7 F (2 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.7 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.7 F (2 F above century average)
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#36. Madison County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.5 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.5 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
#35. Fayette County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.2 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.2 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
#34. Unicoi County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.3 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.3 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.3 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.3 F (2.7 F above century average)
#33. Blount County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.6 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.6 F (2.2 F above century average)
#32. Rhea County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.2 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.2 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.1 F (1.5 F above century average)
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#31. Coffee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.4 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.4 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (1.7 F above century average)
#30. Stewart County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.2 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.2 F (1.9 F above century average)
#29. Wilson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.9 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.9 F (2.1 F above century average)
#28. Loudon County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.5 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.5 F (2.1 F above century average)
#27. Haywood County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.6 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.7 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.6 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.7 F (2.3 F above century average)
#26. Hardeman County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 61.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.3 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.3 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
#25. Sullivan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.8 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.8 F (2.8 F above century average)
#24. Washington County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 57.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.4 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 45.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.4 F (2.9 F above century average)
#23. Overton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.4 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 46.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 69.4 F (1.7 F above century average)
#22. Cocke County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 58.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.1 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.1 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
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#21. Robertson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.3 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.3 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 70.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
#20. Knox County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.2 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.2 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
#19. Hickman County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.7 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.9 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.7 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.9 F (1.5 F above century average)
#18. Rutherford County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
#17. Jefferson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.8 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.3 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.8 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.3 F (2.5 F above century average)
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#16. Sumner County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.2 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.2 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.1 F (2.1 F above century average)
#15. Roane County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.4 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.2 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.4 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.2 F (1.9 F above century average)
#14. Franklin County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.6 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.6 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
#13. Williamson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.9 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.9 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72 F (2.2 F above century average)
#12. Benton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72 F (1.4 F above century average)
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#11. Meigs County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72 F (1.8 F above century average)
#10. Hamilton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.5 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.8 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.5 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.8 F (1.8 F above century average)
#9. Bradley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.4 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.5 F (2 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.4 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.5 F (2 F above century average)
#8. Carter County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.9 F (3 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.9 F (3 F above century average)
#7. Montgomery County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.3 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #10 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.3 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
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#6. McMinn County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.8 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.3 F (2.2 F above century average)
#5. Houston County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.3 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.3 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
#4. Cheatham County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.4 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.9 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.4 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.9 F (2.3 F above century average)
#3. Humphreys County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.3 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.2 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 48.3 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.2 F (1.9 F above century average)
#2. Dickson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 59.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.9 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.8 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 47.9 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 71.8 F (2.3 F above century average)
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#1. Davidson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 60.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.1 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.4 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 49.1 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 72.4 F (2.6 F above century average)
