While climate change can worsen rising temperatures, the hottest states in the U.S. tend to consistently experience extreme heat, especially during the summer months. But factors such as geographic location, elevation, and climate patterns can also contribute to soaring temperatures, not to mention the increased possibility of heat waves, droughts, wildfires, and other natural disasters.
If you’re wondering where your state lands on the hot meter, here is a breakdown of the states that were the hottest in 2023 based on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
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1. Florida
Statewide Average Maximum Temperature in 2023: 83.4°F
1901-2000 Mean: 80.9°F
Hottest County: Miami-Dade County
Snagging the No. 1 spot and surprising no one is Florida (it is known as the Sunshine State after all). Miami-Dade County, in particular, smashed several heat records, raising concerns about rising sea levels and heat stress in urban areas. The city’s high humidity levels may also play a factor in the state’s sweltering heat.
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2. Texas
Statewide Average Maximum Temperature in 2023: 79.2°F
1901-2000 Mean: 77.1°F
Hottest County: Webb County
The Lone Star State’s pressure-cooker climate keeps it consistently toasty, with the state facing sweltering heat in 2023. With vast desert areas and urban heat islands in cities like Houston and Dallas, the state faced record-breaking temperatures and extensive heat waves that prompted numerous heat advisories across its cities and counties.
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3. Louisiana
Statewide Average Maximum Temperature in 2023: 78.8°F
1901-2000 Mean: 77.1°F
Hottest County: Cameron Parish
Louisiana’s high temperatures in 2023 were compounded by the notorious humidity that tends to plague Southern states, leading to dangerous heat index values. Coastal areas like Cameron Parish experienced intense heat, which affected the local fishing industry and prompted public health warnings about heat-related illnesses.
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4. Mississippi
Statewide Average Maximum Temperature in 2023: 76.9°F
1901-2000 Mean: 75.3°F
Hottest County: Yazoo County
Mississippi encountered several extreme heat events that impacted agriculture and daily life. Yazoo County, in particular, saw high temperatures that stressed crops and livestock, leading to economic challenges for local farmers. The Southern state is known as an agricultural stronghold, attributing large parts of its economy to it.
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5. Georgia
Statewide Average Maximum Temperature in 2023: 76.5°F
1901-2000 Mean: 75.1°F
Hottest County: Chatham County
Georgia’s summer was marked by extended heat waves that impacted both urban and rural areas. Chatham County, including Savannah, faced significant heat that affected tourism and outdoor events. The state, which is known for its abundant peach farms, also grappled with sizable losses in its agricultural sector due to extreme weather.
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6. Alabama
Statewide Average Maximum Temperature in 2023: 75.9°F
1901-2000 Mean: 74.9°F
Hottest County: Dallas County
Alabama saw unprecedented heat, with numerous days surpassing 100°F. Dallas County experienced extreme temperatures that put a strain on water resources and public health systems. The extreme heat resulted in multiple heat-related deaths and an uptick in cases related to heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory issues.
Image Credit: Sean Pavone.
7. South Carolina
Statewide Average Maximum Temperature in 2023: 74.6°F
1901-2000 Mean: 74°F
Hottest County: Aiken County
South Carolina experienced significant heat waves that affected its local economies, infrastructure, and impacted public health. After experiencing one of the hottest summers on record in 2023, the city of Aiken opened “cooling centers” in hopes of providing residents with a safe place to escape the sweltering summer heat.
Image Credit: SeanPavonePhoto.
8. Oklahoma
Statewide Average Maximum Temperature in 2023: 73.9°F
1901-2000 Mean: 71.8°F
Hottest County: Jackson County
Oklahoma also experienced severe heat with prolonged periods of high temperatures that impacted its agricultural sector and quality of life. More specifically, Jackson County saw heat waves that put a strain on water resources and impacted crop yields, highlighting the state’s vulnerability to extreme climate conditions.
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9. Arkansas
Statewide Average Maximum Temperature in 2023: 73.4°F
1901-2000 Mean: 71.7°F
Hottest County: Mississippi County
In 2023, Arkansas faced numerous heat advisories that strained its water resources and impacted its agricultural sector. Mississippi County, in particular, endured extremely high temperatures that resulted in droughts, complicated crop irrigation efforts, and increased the risk of wildfires.
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10. Arizona
Statewide Average Maximum Temperature in 2023: 73.2°F
1901-2000 Mean: 73.5°F
Hottest County: Maricopa County
Arizona’s extreme heat was relentless in 2023, with urban areas like Phoenix and Scottsdale bearing the brunt of it. Maricopa County faced soaring temperatures that led to numerous heat-related deaths and other health emergencies that emphasized the need for heat mitigation infrastructure in the Grand Canyon State.
This story was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
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