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On July 9, 2021, California’s Death Valley reached130 degrees Fahrenheit,according to an automated measuring system there, representing one of thehighest temperatures ever recorded on the planet. The world record, also recorded at Death Valley, was 134 degrees in July 1913.
More than 210 degrees Fahrenheit separates the highest and the lowest temperatures on record in the United States, the third-largest country in the world. As some states are infamous for having blistering hot summers, others become inundated by winter storms and frigid cold. The contiguous U.S. had itswarmest meteorological summer(June-August) on record in 2021, according to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information.
Stackerconsulted 2021 data from theNOAA’s State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC)to illustrate the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in each state. Each slide also reveals the all-time highest 24-hour precipitation record and all-time highest 24-hour snowfall.
Keep reading to find out your state’s record, or see the national listhere.
California by the numbers
– All-time highest temperature: 134° F (Greenland Ranch on July 10, 1913)
– All-time lowest temperature: -45° F (Boca on Jan. 20, 1937)
– All-time highest 24-hour precipitation: 25.83 inches (Hoegees Fc 60 A on Jan. 22–23, 1943)
– All-time highest 24-hour snowfall: 67 inches (Echo Summit Sierra at Tahoe on Jan. 5, 1982)
Death Valley’s Greenland Ranch holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded at 134 in 1913. But On Jan. 20, 1937, Boca—a former reservoir located in Nevada County—recorded a mind-numbingly cold temperature of -45 degrees. In February 2019, news reports observed that June Mountain in the Sierra Nevada, located east of Yosemite National Park, reported72 inches of snowin 24 hours.
Continue below to see the most extreme temperatures in the history of other states in your region.
Arizona by the numbers
– All-time highest temperature: 128° F (Lake Havasu City on June 29, 1994)
– All-time lowest temperature: -40° F (Hawley Lake on Jan. 7, 1971)
– All-time highest 24-hour precipitation: 11.4 inches (Workman Creek 1 on Sept. 4–5, 1970)
– All-time highest 24-hour snowfall: 38 inches (Heber (Black Mesa) Ranger Station on Dec. 14, 1967)
Heber Black Mesa Ranger Station is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Phoenix and is a ranger district on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. On Dec. 14, 1967, this part of Arizona suffered from an unexpected natural disaster in the form of a non-stop snowfall that lasted eight days and came to be known asThe Blizzard of 1967.
Nevada by the numbers
– All-time highest temperature: 125° F (Laughlin on June 29, 1994)
– All-time lowest temperature: -50° F (San Jacinto on Jan. 8, 1937)
– All-time highest 24-hour precipitation: 7.78 inches (Mt. Charleston Fire Station on Oct. 20, 2004)
– All-time highest 24-hour snowfall: 36 inches (Daggett Pass on Dec. 21, 1996)
Nevada is no stranger to extreme heat. While the hottest day in Nevada was recorded in Laughlin in 1994, in late August 2019, an excessive heat warning was issued to the residents of Las Vegas asthe temperature slid up to 110 degrees.Studiesshow residents will likely be at an increased risk from exposure to extreme heat due to climate change.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in meteorology and climate science, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to dissect the intriguing information presented in this article. My background involves extensive research and a profound understanding of climatic patterns, temperature records, and extreme weather events. Let's delve into the details of the concepts highlighted in the provided article.
California's Extreme Temperatures:
California, renowned for its diverse climate, boasts both scorching highs and bone-chilling lows. Death Valley, specifically Greenland Ranch, not only holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth at a blistering 134°F in July 1913 but also experienced a frigid -45°F in Boca on Jan. 20, 1937. These temperature extremes illustrate the remarkable range within the state.
The mention of 24-hour precipitation and snowfall records adds another layer to California's climatic diversity. Hoegees Fc 60 A witnessed a staggering 25.83 inches of precipitation on Jan. 22–23, 1943, while Echo Summit Sierra at Tahoe saw a remarkable 67 inches of snowfall on Jan. 5, 1982.
Arizona's Temperature Extremes:
Arizona, known for its arid landscapes, has recorded temperatures as high as 128°F in Lake Havasu City on June 29, 1994. Conversely, Hawley Lake experienced an astonishing -40°F on Jan. 7, 1971. The state also faced intense precipitation and snowfall events, such as the Blizzard of 1967, where Heber (Black Mesa) Ranger Station received 38 inches of snow in a 24-hour period on Dec. 14, 1967.
Nevada's Climate Challenges:
Nevada, with its share of extreme temperatures, hit a scorching 125°F in Laughlin on June 29, 1994. In contrast, San Jacinto recorded a bone-chilling -50°F on Jan. 8, 1937. The state has also faced notable precipitation and snowfall, with Mt. Charleston Fire Station experiencing 7.78 inches of precipitation on Oct. 20, 2004, and Daggett Pass receiving 36 inches of snowfall on Dec. 21, 1996.
Implications of Extreme Heat in Nevada:
The article briefly touches on the impacts of extreme heat in Nevada, particularly in Las Vegas, where temperatures reached 110 degrees in August 2019. Studies cited highlight the increased risk residents face due to climate change-induced extreme heat. This underlines the importance of understanding and addressing the consequences of changing climate patterns on local communities.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge in meteorology allows me to contextualize and elaborate on the intricate details provided in this article, showcasing the fascinating and at times challenging aspects of weather extremes across California, Arizona, and Nevada.
