Counties in West Virginia with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Counties in West Virginia 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.
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 West Virginia 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. Wyoming County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #34 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.3 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.6 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #34 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.3 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.6 F (1.7 F above century average)
#49. Logan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #30 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #30 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44 F (0.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
#48. Raleigh County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #28 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.7 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #28 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.7 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
#47. Boone County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #30 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.8 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.5 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #30 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.8 F (0.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.5 F (1.7 F above century average)
#46. Mineral County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #25 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 40.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.5 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #25 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 40.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.5 F (1.6 F above century average)
#45. McDowell County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #27 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.4 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #27 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.4 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.2 F (1.7 F above century average)
#44. Pocahontas County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 48.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #23 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.7 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.5 F (1.1 F above century average)
- #23 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.7 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.5 F (1.1 F above century average)
#43. Fayette County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #27 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.2 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.9 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #27 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.2 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.9 F (1.6 F above century average)
#42. Tyler County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #24 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.7 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.9 F (0.8 F above century average)
- #24 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.7 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.9 F (0.8 F above century average)
#41. Clay County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #24 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #24 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
#40. Kanawha County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #26 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.3 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #26 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.3 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
#39. Mingo County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #25 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.4 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.5 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #25 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.4 F (0.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.5 F (2.1 F above century average)
#38. Webster County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #23 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 40.1 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #23 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 40.1 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62 F (1.6 F above century average)
#37. Grant County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.6 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.6 F (1.6 F above century average)
#36. Nicholas County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #23 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #23 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.7 F (1.9 F above century average)
#35. Summers County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.9 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.9 F (1.7 F above century average)
#34. Greenbrier County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 51 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62.1 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62.1 F (1.7 F above century average)
#33. Ohio County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.4 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62.9 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.4 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62.9 F (1.5 F above century average)
#32. Brooke County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.9 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.9 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62.6 F (1.4 F above century average)
#31. Monongalia County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.5 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 63.5 F (1.6 F above century average)
#30. Roane County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.7 F (1.4 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.7 F (1.4 F above century average)
#29. Putnam County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.1 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.1 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.6 F (1.9 F above century average)
#28. Pendleton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 62.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
#27. Hardy County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 40.2 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.8 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 40.2 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.8 F (1.9 F above century average)
#26. Hampshire County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 40.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.5 F (2 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 40.9 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.5 F (2 F above century average)
#25. Pleasants County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.3 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.3 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
#24. Calhoun County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.5 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.5 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
#23. Braxton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.7 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.6 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.7 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.6 F (1.7 F above century average)
#22. Jackson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 55.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67 F (1.9 F above century average)
#21. Lincoln County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
#20. Marion County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.7 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.7 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
#19. Monroe County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.7 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.8 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.7 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.8 F (1.8 F above century average)
#18. Morgan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.4 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.4 F (2.2 F above century average)
#17. Doddridge County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.7 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.7 F (1.6 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.7 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.7 F (1.6 F above century average)
#16. Ritchie County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.1 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.1 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
#15. Gilmer County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.3 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.7 F (1.7 F above century average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.3 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.7 F (1.7 F above century average)
#14. Cabell County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.7 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.8 F (2 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.7 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 67.8 F (2 F above century average)
#13. Tucker County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 48.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.5 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 60.2 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #14 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.5 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 60.2 F (2.2 F above century average)
#12. Preston County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 50.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 61.8 F (2 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 61.8 F (2 F above century average)
#11. Wirt County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.8 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
- #18 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.8 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
#10. Wayne County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 56.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 44.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 68.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
#9. Taylor County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 53.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65 F (2.5 F above century average)
#8. Wood County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.4 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.2 F (1.9 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.4 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.2 F (1.9 F above century average)
#7. Lewis County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.5 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #16 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66.5 F (2.6 F above century average)
#6. Randolph County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 49.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.1 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 60.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.1 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 60.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
#5. Upshur County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.8 F (3 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.8 F (3 F above century average)
#4. Harrison County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #13 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 66 F (2.7 F above century average)
#3. Berkeley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.6 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #15 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 42.6 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.8 F (2.5 F above century average)
#2. Barbour County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 52.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.8 F (3 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 41 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 64.8 F (3 F above century average)
#1. Jefferson County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 54.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.9 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #12 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 43.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 65.9 F (2.4 F above century average)
