Counties in Wisconsin with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
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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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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.
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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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#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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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#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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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#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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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#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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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#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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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#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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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#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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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#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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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#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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)
#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)
- #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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#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)
- #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)
