Ask Tom: Have all 50 states hit 100 degrees? (2024)

Dear Tom,

Has the temperature reached 100 degrees in all 50 states?

—Gary S., Mt. Prospect

Dear Gary,

The answer is yes, but the two newest states, Alaska and Hawaii, barely made the list and were not states when the 100s occurred. Alaska's lone 100-degree day was more than a century ago at Fort Yukon on June 27, 1915. Pahala, on the island of Hawaii, holds the honors for that state's hottest day with a 100-degree high on April 27, 1931. With the exception of portions of New England, where all-time state highs hover around 105, most of the rest of the states have topped 110 degrees. Illinois' hottest was 117 degrees at East St. Louis on July 14, 1954, and the nation's (and world's) highest temperature was a blazing 134 degrees at Greenland Ranch in Death Valley, Calif.,, on July 10, 1913.

As an enthusiast and expert in meteorology and climatology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in understanding weather patterns, temperature extremes, and historical climatic data. I've extensively studied temperature records, extreme weather events, and the factors influencing temperature variations across different regions. My understanding is rooted in scientific literature, historical weather archives, and practical experience in analyzing weather phenomena.

Regarding the content you provided about the temperature reaching 100 degrees in all 50 states, it's crucial to note that while Alaska and Hawaii have indeed experienced 100-degree temperatures, these instances occurred before they were admitted as states.

Alaska saw its lone 100-degree day more than a century ago on June 27, 1915, at Fort Yukon. On the island of Hawaii, Pahala holds the record for the state's hottest day, recording a 100-degree high on April 27, 1931.

Beyond these specific instances, the broader temperature extremes across the United States vary significantly. For instance, while portions of New England have recorded all-time state highs around 105 degrees, other states have seen much higher temperatures exceeding 110 degrees.

Illinois registered its highest temperature at 117 degrees in East St. Louis on July 14, 1954. However, the nation's and the world's highest temperature of a scorching 134 degrees was documented at Greenland Ranch in Death Valley, California, on July 10, 1913.

This information underscores the diversity of temperature extremes across the United States and emphasizes the significance of localized weather patterns, geographical features, and climate dynamics in influencing these variations.

The data mentioned in the provided article highlights not only historical temperature milestones but also the distribution of extreme heat across different states, showcasing the remarkable range of temperatures experienced throughout the country's history.

Ask Tom: Have all 50 states hit 100 degrees? (2024)

FAQs

Ask Tom: Have all 50 states hit 100 degrees? ›

Has the temperature reached 100 degrees in all 50 states? Dear Gary, The answer is yes, but the two newest states, Alaska and Hawaii, barely made the list and were not states when the 100s occurred. Alaska's lone 100-degree day was more than a century ago at Fort Yukon on June 27, 1915.

Has Alaska ever had a 100 degree day? ›

The highest and lowest recorded temperatures in Alaska are both in the Interior. The highest is 100 °F (37.8 °C) in Fort Yukon on June 27, 1915.

What is the only state to never hit 100 degrees? ›

All 50 states have documented a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, including Alaska, while many states – even those as far north as the Canadian border – have recorded temperatures of at least 115 degrees.

Has Hawaii ever had 100 degree weather? ›

The highest temperature ever recorded in Hawaii was 100 at Pahala (elevation 870 feet) on the Big Island of Hawaii on April 27, 1931.

What is the hottest day in U.S. history? ›

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the highest temperature ever recorded was 56.7 °C (134.1 °F) on 10 July 1913 in Furnace Creek (Greenland Ranch), California, United States, but the validity of this record is challenged as possible problems with the reading have since been discovered.

How hot will Alaska be in 2050? ›

Average annual temperatures in Alaska are projected to rise by an additional 2°F to 4°F by 2050.

What is the hottest state in the US? ›

Florida ranks as No.

On average, Florida ranked as the hottest state in the U.S., with an average of temperature of 74.1 degrees over the past 15 years. It was followed closely by Hawaii (73.8 degrees) and Arizona (73.6 degrees).

What state stays 70 degrees year round? ›

Where is it 70 degrees year-round in the U.S.? While temperatures fluctuate throughout the year in most U.S. states, there are few states with warm weather that see averages around 70-degree weather year-round. These states include Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico.

What state stays 50 degrees year round? ›

Is there a place where it stays in the 50s and 60 degrees Fahrenheit year round? - Quora. Eureka, California. It seldom gets hotter than 75 degrees in summer or below freezing in winter.

What state stays 80 degrees year round? ›

Probably one of the most obvious choices, Hawaii is the pinnacle of warm nights and sunny days. The average temperature in the Hawaiian islands stays right around 80 degrees all year round, but even on a chilly day it only drops to a low of about 70 degrees.

Has it ever snowed in Hawaii? ›

Up to five inches (13 centimeters) of snow fell on the Big Island's Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, where high elevations—up to about 13,800 and 13,700 feet above sea level, respectively—are associated with cold air temperatures.

What month is Hawaii the coldest? ›

Honolulu's coldest month is February when the average temperature overnight is 65.4°F. In August, the warmest month, the average day time temperature rises to 88.9°F.

Is Hawaii hotter than it used to be? ›

Coastal areas are drier, especially the south and west side or leeward sides. Köppen climate types of Hawaii, using 1971-2000 climate normals. Overall with climate change, Hawaiʻi is getting drier and hotter. The Hawaiian Islands receive most of their precipitation from October to April.

Which state is the coldest? ›

Alaska is the coldest state in the U.S., with an average statewide temperature of 28.4 degrees in 2023. See below for the full list of the 10 coldest states in the U.S.

What is the coldest place on Earth? ›

What is the coldest place in the world? It is a high ridge in Antarctica on the East Antarctic Plateau. On a clear winter night, temperatures there can drop to -135.8° Fahrenheit. The coldest spots develop just downhill from the ridge along a 620-mile stretch between two summits.

What was the worst heat wave in U.S. history? ›

July 1936, part of the "Dust Bowl", produced one of the hottest summers on record across the country, especially across the Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes regions. Nationally, about 5,000 people died from the heat.

What state has the most 100 degree days? ›

No surprise, topping the list with the most 100-degree days on average is Phoenix, Arizona, which averages just over 111 days with 100-degree temperatures every year. Also in the Desert Southwest was the city with the second-highest average number of 100-degree days: Las Vegas.

What were the hottest years in Alaska? ›

Increases in average annual temperatures since 1971 have ranged from 2.2°F in central Southeast Alaska to 6.0°F on the North Slope. In addition, 2016 and 2019 were the two hottest years on record. For the period 1950–2017, 75% of the annual average warming in Alaska can be attributed to greenhouse gas emissions.

What two states have never reached 100? ›

Dear Tom, Has the temperature reached 100 degrees in all 50 states? Dear Gary, The answer is yes, but the two newest states, Alaska and Hawaii, barely made the list and were not states when the 100s occurred.

Has it ever been 90 degrees in Alaska? ›

But the heat isn't unique to the Lower 48. Even Alaska, the nation's largest and northernmost state, has lurched into the 90s, toppling additional records in a place already on the front lines of a rapidly warming climate.

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