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US Coldest Records: Alaska's -80°F & More
2 Dec
Summary
- Alaska recorded the nation's coldest temperature at -80°F in 1971.
- Hawaii is the only state never to record a temperature below zero.
- Many states have experienced record low temperatures this century.
Alaska holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States, with a chilling -80 degrees Fahrenheit in Prospect Creek Camp on January 23, 1971. This extreme stands as a benchmark for the nation's frigid past. Despite the overall warming trend, many states have experienced their lowest temperatures in the 21st century, with recent winter storms bringing daily record lows to parts of the Plains, Midwest, and Northeast.
Hawaii is a notable exception, being the only state that has never recorded a temperature below zero, with its lowest being 12 degrees Fahrenheit at the Mauna Kea Observatory in 1979. This unique status highlights the diverse climatic conditions across the US. The compilation of these state-specific record lows provides a comprehensive look at the historical extremes experienced nationwide.
The recent winter storm serves as a stark reminder of the potential for extreme cold across the country, even amidst broader climate shifts. Data compiled by NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee details these historical lows, offering insights into the varying climatic challenges faced by different regions of the United States over the past century.
