Record Temperatures: 50 Degrees Possible in Western State Areas

The United States continues to experience a wide range of temperature extremes, a characteristic reflected in long-standing records across its states and territories. Data compiled from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and documented in historical records reveal significant disparities between the highest and lowest temperatures ever recorded in each location.

State-by-State Extremes

Alabama’s temperature range exemplifies this variability, with a record high of 112°F (44.4°C) set on September 6, 1925, in Centreville, contrasting sharply with a record low of -27°F (-32.8°C) recorded on January 30, 1966, in New Market. This 139°F (77.2°C) difference highlights the potential for dramatic temperature swings within a single state.

Alaska, predictably, holds the record for the lowest temperature in the U.S., plummeting to -80°F (-62.2°C) in Prospect Creek on January 23, 1971. Its highest recorded temperature, 100°F (37.8°C), occurred on June 27, 1915, in Fort Yukon, representing a massive 180°F (100°C) range.

In warmer climates, the ranges are naturally compressed, but still substantial. Arizona’s record high is 128°F (53.3°C), registered on June 29, 1994, in Lake Havasu City, while its record low stands at -40°F (-40°C) from January 7, 1971, in McNary, a difference of 168°F (93.3°C).

California’s extreme temperatures are particularly noteworthy. The highest temperature ever recorded in the state, and indeed in the entire U.S., is 134°F (56.7°C), set on July 10, 1913, at Greenland Ranch in Death Valley. The record low is -45°F (-42.8°C), recorded on January 20, 1937, in Boca, resulting in a 179°F (99.4°C) difference.

Continental and Territorial Variations

Montana holds the record for the coldest temperature in the contiguous United States, reaching -70°F at Rogers Pass on January 20, 1954. This figure underscores the severity of winter conditions in the northern plains states.

Florida, despite its generally warm climate, experienced a temperature as low as 2°F below zero on February 13, 1899, in Tallahassee, during a significant Arctic outbreak that impacted much of the eastern U.S. This event demonstrates the potential for rare, extreme cold even in typically mild regions.

Hawaii is unique in not having recorded a subzero temperature. The lowest temperature recorded there is 12°F at the Mauna Kea Observatory, at an elevation of 13,796 feet, on May 17, 1979.

American Samoa’s temperature range is considerably narrower, with a high of 99°F (37.2°C) recorded on April 27, 1972, in Malaeloa/Aitulagi, and a low of 53°F (11.7°C) on March 28, 1962, also in Malaeloa/Aitulagi. This reflects the island’s tropical climate and maritime influence.

Recent Records and Ongoing Monitoring

Colorado recently updated its record high temperature to 115°F (46.1°C) on July 20, 2019, at John Martin Reservoir. Connecticut’s record high remains at 106°F (41.1°C) set on July 15, 1995, in Danbury, while its record low is -37°F (-38.3°C) from February 16, 1943, in Norfolk.

The State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC), part of the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) at NOAA, maintains and validates these records, ensuring their accuracy and reliability. These records are crucial for understanding long-term climate trends and assessing the potential impacts of climate change on temperature extremes.

The wide range of temperatures recorded across the U.S. And its territories underscores the diverse climatic conditions present within the nation. Continued monitoring and analysis of these records are essential for informed decision-making regarding infrastructure planning, public health preparedness, and climate adaptation strategies.