Hottest States in the US
The United States unveils a diverse climate ranging from blistering heat to bone-chilling cold. From scorching deserts to icy tundra’s, understanding which states experience the highest and lowest temperatures can provide valuable insights for travelers and residents alike. Let’s delve into the hottest and coldest states in the USA and uncover the regions with the most extreme weather conditions.
Hottest States in USA: Arizona takes the lead as the hottest state in the USA, with scorching temperatures soaring up to 128°F. Conversely, Alaska clinches the title for the coldest state, with bone-chilling temperatures plummeting to 100°F below zero.
Record-Breaking Temperatures: Here’s a breakdown of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in each of the 50 states: (Insert Table)
Hotspots and Coldspots: While Arizona boasts the highest average temperatures, Death Valley, California, holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in the USA at a blistering 134°F.
Florida’s Snowy Surprises: Despite its reputation for warmth, Florida does witness occasional snowfall in its northern regions during rare cold snaps. However, snow remains a rare phenomenon in most parts of the state.
Here are The Top 5 Hottest States:
- Arizona
- California
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Texas
Arizona’s Arid Climes: Arizona’s intense heat can be attributed to its arid desert climate and low humidity levels, making it one of the hottest states during the summer months.
Battling the Cold in Alaska: Known for its arctic climate and extreme cold temperatures, Alaska consistently endures the harshest winters in the USA.
Summer Sizzle: During the summer, states in the southwestern region, such as Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, experience scorching temperatures due to their desert landscapes and lack of moisture.
Warm Weather Havens: For those seeking warm weather year-round, states like Florida, California, Hawaii, and Texas offer mild winters and hot summers, making them popular destinations for sun-seekers.
| Rank | State | Highest Recorded Temperature (°F) | Average Annual Temperature (°F) | July Average High (°F) | January Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona | 128°F | 60.3°F | 106°F | 44°F |
| 2 | California | 134°F | 59.4°F | 94°F | 42°F |
| 3 | Nevada | 125°F | 49.9°F | 91°F | 21°F |
| 4 | New Mexico | 122°F | 53.4°F | 89°F | 21°F |
| 5 | Texas | 120°F | 66.7°F | 95°F | 40°F |
| 6 | Utah | 117°F | 48.6°F | 90°F | 25°F |
| 7 | Oklahoma | 120°F | 59.6°F | 94°F | 30°F |
| 8 | Arkansas | 120°F | 61.2°F | 92°F | 32°F |
| 9 | Kansas | 121°F | 55.0°F | 90°F | 20°F |
| 10 | South Dakota | 120°F | 45.2°F | 85°F | 12°F |
| 11 | Louisiana | 114°F | 66.4°F | 92°F | 42°F |
| 12 | Florida | 109°F | 70.7°F | 92°F | 42°F |
| 13 | Georgia | 112°F | 63.5°F | 89°F | 32°F |
| 14 | North Carolina | 110°F | 59.0°F | 89°F | 31°F |
| 15 | Missouri | 118°F | 54.5°F | 89°F | 23°F |
| 16 | South Carolina | 113°F | 62.4°F | 92°F | 36°F |
| 17 | Alabama | 112°F | 64.6°F | 92°F | 34°F |
| 18 | Mississippi | 115°F | 64.6°F | 92°F | 36°F |
| 19 | Nebraska | 118°F | 48.8°F | 89°F | 16°F |
| 20 | Washington | 118°F | 48.0°F | 80°F | 35°F |
| 21 | Oregon | 119°F | 48.4°F | 82°F | 33°F |
| 22 | Colorado | 115°F | 45.1°F | 88°F | 19°F |
| 23 | Wyoming | 115°F | 42.0°F | 84°F | 16°F |
| 24 | Tennessee | 113°F | 57.6°F | 89°F | 28°F |
| 25 | Virginia | 115°F | 55.1°F | 88°F | 27°F |
| 26 | Idaho | 118°F | 44.4°F | 91°F | 24°F |
| 27 | Illinois | 117°F | 51.8°F | 86°F | 19°F |
| 28 | Kentucky | 114°F | 55.6°F | 87°F | 25°F |
| 29 | West Virginia | 112°F | 51.8°F | 86°F | 24°F |
| 30 | Indiana | 116°F | 51.7°F | 85°F | 20°F |
| 31 | Maryland | 109°F | 54.2°F | 88°F | 27°F |
| 32 | Ohio | 113°F | 50.7°F | 84°F | 21°F |
| 33 | North Dakota | 121°F | 40.4°F | 84°F | 6°F |
| 34 | Montana | 117°F | 42.7°F | 85°F | 14°F |
| 35 | Michigan | 112°F | 44.4°F | 83°F | 16°F |
| 36 | New Jersey | 110°F | 52.7°F | 86°F | 23°F |
| 37 | Pennsylvania | 111°F | 48.8°F | 85°F | 20°F |
| 38 | Wisconsin | 114°F | 43.1°F | 82°F | 13°F |
| 39 | Massachusetts | 107°F | 47.9°F | 82°F | 22°F |
| 40 | Connecticut | 106°F | 49.0°F | 83°F | 17°F |
| 41 | New York | 108°F | 47.8°F | 82°F | 17°F |
| 42 | Vermont | 105°F | 42.9°F | 79°F | 9°F |
| 43 | Delaware | 110°F | 55.3°F | 87°F | 23°F |
| 44 | Iowa | 118°F | 47.8°F | 84°F | 10°F |
| 45 | Rhode Island | 104°F | 50.1°F | 83°F | 22°F |
| 46 | Maine | 105°F | 41.0°F | 79°F | 13°F |
| 47 | Minnesota | 114°F | 41.2°F | 83°F | 7°F |
| 48 | New Hampshire | 106°F | 43.8°F | 80°F | 10°F |
| 49 | Hawaii | 100°F | 77.2°F | 88°F | 66°F |
| 50 | Alaska | 100°F | 26.6°F | 65°F | 20°F |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Mexico hotter than Texas?
- Yes, the heat dome causing Texas to sizzle is centered in northern Mexico, where it’s been even hotter than Texas.
Is it hotter in California or Florida?
- Florida is the hotter and more humid state when compared to California.
- Florida boasts miles of incredible beaches and has a tropical climate, whereas California has a more diverse landscape.
Is Arizona or Texas hotter?
- Texas is hotter than Arizona.
- Texas is MUCH more humid, particularly in South Texas, which can be unbearable.
- Humid heat is generally perceived as much hotter than dry heat.
What is the hottest month in Texas?
- August is typically the hottest month in Texas.
- However, scorching temperatures can occur before then as well.
Is Texas extremely hot?
- Yes, Texas is part of the Extreme Heat Belt, an area of the U.S. highly vulnerable to extreme heat exposure, according to a report by the First Street Foundation, a climate assessment nonprofit.
Source:
- National Weather Service (NWS): weather.gov (https://www.weather.gov/)
- Texas Department of State Health Services: dshs.texas.gov (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): noaa.gov (https://www.noaa.gov/)
- Google Scholar: scholar.google.com (https://scholar.google.com/)
- PubMed: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
- The Weather Channel: weather.com (https://weather.com/)
- AccuWeather: accuweather.com (https://www.accuweather.com/)