Counties in Wisconsin with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years

Written by:
January 3, 2023
Chris Rand//Wikicommons

Counties in Wisconsin 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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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 Wisconsin 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.

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Alan Froegel // Wikimedia Commons

#50. La Crosse County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.2 degrees Fahrenheit (0.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #52 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.1 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.2 F (0.4 F above century average)
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Nfarmakes // Wikimedia Commons

#49. Douglas County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 39.8 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.6 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.1 F (0.1 F above century average)
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#48. Lincoln County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.6 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.2 F (0.7 F above century average)
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Jeff the quiet // Wikimedia Commons

#47. Taylor County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #49 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.6 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.6 F (0.5 F above century average)
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Dramsey57 // Wikimedia Commons

#46. Burnett County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 41.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #50 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 30.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.9 F (0 F below century average)
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Jeff the quiet // Wikimedia Commons

#45. Langlade County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.2 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #43 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 29.5 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 50.9 F (0.6 F above century average)
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Corey Coyle // Wikimedia Commons

#44. Richland County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.9 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #43 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.5 F (0.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.3 F (0.8 F above century average)
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Bobak Ha'Eri // Wikimedia Commons

#43. Marinette County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.2 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #40 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.4 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53 F (0.3 F above century average)
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Wtimmers // Wikimedia Commons

#42. Door County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #42 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34.8 F (1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.1 F (0.7 F above century average)
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Jon Roanhaus // Wikimedia Commons

#41. Trempealeau County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #48 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55 F (0.8 F above century average)
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Itrytohelp32 // Wikimedia Commons

#40. Eau Claire County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #41 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (0.5 F above century average)
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Nathanthiel // Wikimedia Commons

#39. Juneau County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #37 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.5 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.6 F (0.8 F above century average)
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Doc Searls // Wikimedia Commons

#38. Dodge County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 46 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.6 F (0.6 F above century average)
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Scott Catron // Wikimedia Commons

#37. Jefferson County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 47.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.2 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57 F (1 F above century average)
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Yinan Chen // Wikimedia Commons

#36. Walworth County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 47.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.5 F (0.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.4 F (1.1 F above century average)
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TheCatalyst31 // Wikimedia Commons

#35. Oconto County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #36 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.6 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.3 F (0.5 F above century average)
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TheCatalyst31 // Wikimedia Commons

#34. Wood County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.9 F (1.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (0.7 F above century average)
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Mjrichter // Wikimedia Commons

#33. Washington County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #35 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.4 F (0.9 F above century average)
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Jimmy Emerson // Wikimedia Commons

#32. Florence County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 40.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #33 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 28.8 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 51.5 F (1 F above century average)
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Bobak Ha'Eri // Wikimedia Commons

#31. Marathon County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #33 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.1 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 52.5 F (0.8 F above century average)
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Jeff the quiet // Wikimedia Commons

#30. Clark County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #32 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 32.4 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.1 F (0.3 F above century average)
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#29. Adams County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #32 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 34 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.5 F (1 F above century average)
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bogdanstepniak // Wikimedia Commons

#28. Sauk County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #38 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.5 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.1 F (0.8 F above century average)
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Calvin Beale // Wikimedia Commons

#27. Lafayette County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 47.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #34 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.3 F (0.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.8 F (1.6 F above century average)
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Visit Beloit // Wikimedia Commons

#26. Rock County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 47.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #33 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.9 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#25. Menominee County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 42.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #36 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 31.9 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53 F (0.7 F above century average)
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TheCatalyst31 // Wikimedia Commons

#24. Portage County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #32 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.4 F (1.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.2 F (1.1 F above century average)
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#23. Jackson County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #32 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.4 F (0.6 F above century average)
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Tgkrause // Wikimedia Commons

#22. Iowa County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 46.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #31 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.2 F (1.5 F above century average)
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SD Dirk // Wikimedia Commons

#21. Green County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 47.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #32 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.1 F (1.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.8 F (1.4 F above century average)
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#20. Fond du Lac County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #26 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.2 F (1.2 F above century average)
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#19. Marquette County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #26 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.2 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.4 F (1.3 F above century average)
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#18. Green Lake County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #25 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.8 F (1.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.1 F (1.3 F above century average)
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pasa47 // Wikimedia Commons

#17. Waukesha County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 47.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #28 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.3 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57 F (1.4 F above century average)
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#16. Shawano County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 43.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #27 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 33.3 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.7 F (1 F above century average)
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James Meyer // Shutterstock

#15. Ozaukee County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 46.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #23 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.6 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.8 F (1.3 F above century average)
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Paul Brady Photography // Shutterstock

#14. Dane County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 47.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #22 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 37.2 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.2 F (1.5 F above century average)
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Chris Rand // Wikimedia Commons

#13. Kewaunee County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 44.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #23 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 53.4 F (1.3 F above century average)
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I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby publish it under the following license: // Wikimedia Commons

#12. Waushara County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #22 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.3 F (1.4 F above century average)
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Creative Commons

#11. Winnebago County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #25 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.2 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.5 F (1.4 F above century average)
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Downspec // Wikimedia Commons

#10. Columbia County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 46.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.6 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 56.4 F (1.1 F above century average)
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gillfoto // Wikimedia Commons

#9. Racine County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 48.4 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #23 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 38.8 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58 F (1.6 F above century average)
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Keith Cooper // Wikimedia Commons

#8. Kenosha County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 48.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #23 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 58.4 F (1.8 F above century average)
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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources // Flickr

#7. Sheboygan County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 46 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.7 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55.2 F (1.6 F above century average)
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self // Wikimedia Commons

#6. Waupaca County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.9 F (1.3 F above century average)
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Jonathunder // Wikimedia Commons

#5. Manitowoc County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.3 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.3 F (1.7 F above century average)
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self // Wikimedia Commons

#4. Calumet County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #21 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.2 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.9 F (1.6 F above century average)
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#3. Outagamie County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #20 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 35.7 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 55 F (1.7 F above century average)
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compujeramey // Flickr

#2. Milwaukee County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 48.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #17 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 39.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 57.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
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Chris Rand//Wikicommons

#1. Brown County

- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 45.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #19 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 36.1 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 54.3 F (1.8 F above century average)

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