Despite fluctuations in temperatures across the United States over the past century, global warming remains an ongoing concern. Interestingly, only a handful of states have documented their lowest temperatures in the 21st century.
Alabama
Alabama’s lowest recorded temperature plummeted to -27 degrees Fahrenheit in New Market on January 30, 1966. Lucille Hereford, the postmistress and town volunteer weather observer, recalled the bone-chilling morning, describing it as “terribly cold.”
Alaska
Prospect Creek Camp in Alaska holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States, dropping to a staggering -80 degrees Fahrenheit on January 23, 1971.
Arizona
Hawley Lake in Arizona experienced its lowest temperature of -40 degrees Fahrenheit on January 7, 1971. The remote weather stations overseen by Stan Bryte contributed to documenting this extreme cold.
Arkansas
Brook Farm Pond near Gravette, Arkansas, witnessed a bone-chilling -29 degrees Fahrenheit on February 13, 1905, making it the state’s lowest recorded temperature.
California
The coldest temperature recorded in California was -45 degrees Fahrenheit in Boca on January 20, 1937, causing widespread disruptions and challenges for residents.
Colorado
Maybell, Colorado, reached a frigid -61 degrees Fahrenheit on February 1, 1985, making it the state’s coldest recorded temperature.
Connecticut
On January 22, 1961, Coventry, Connecticut, experienced its lowest recorded temperature of -32 degrees Fahrenheit, marking a chilling moment in the state’s history.
Delaware
Millsboro, Delaware, saw temperatures plummet to -17 degrees Fahrenheit on January 17, 1893, underscoring the severity of winter weather in the region.
Florida
Tallahassee, Florida, encountered its lowest recorded temperature of -2 degrees Fahrenheit on February 13, 1899, during a rare snowfall that garnered significant attention.
Georgia
CCC Fire Camp F-16 near Beatum, Georgia, registered -17 degrees Fahrenheit on January 27, 1940, illustrating the state’s susceptibility to extreme cold.
Hawaii
The Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii recorded its lowest temperature of 12 degrees Fahrenheit on May 17, 1979, providing a stark contrast to the state’s typically warm climate.
Idaho
Island Park Dam in Idaho documented a bone-chilling -60 degrees Fahrenheit on January 18, 1943, highlighting the state’s susceptibility to harsh winter conditions.
Illinois
Mount Carroll, Illinois, experienced its lowest temperature of -38 degrees Fahrenheit on January 31, 2019, reflecting the state’s vulnerability to extreme cold.
Indiana
New Whiteland, Indiana, recorded its lowest temperature of -36 degrees Fahrenheit on January 19, 1994, marking a significant moment in the state’s weather history.
Iowa
Elkader, Iowa, endured temperatures as low as -47 degrees Fahrenheit on February 3, 1996, during what became known as the “1996 Cold Wave.”
Kansas
Lebanon, Kansas, faced a bone-chilling -40 degrees Fahrenheit on February 13, 1905, during one of the state’s most frigid winters.
Kentucky
Shelbyville, Kentucky, saw temperatures drop to -37 degrees Fahrenheit on January 19, 1994, causing significant disruptions and challenges for residents.
Louisiana
Minden, Louisiana, recorded its lowest temperature of -16 degrees Fahrenheit on February 13, 1899, during a period of freezing weather across the region.
Maine
Big Black River in Maine experienced its coldest temperature of -50 degrees Fahrenheit on January 16, 2009, underscoring the state’s susceptibility to extreme winter conditions.
Maryland
Oakland, Maryland, recorded its lowest temperature of -40 degrees Fahrenheit on January 13, 1912, highlighting the state’s vulnerability to extreme cold.
Massachusetts
Chester, Massachusetts, faced its coldest temperature of -35 degrees Fahrenheit on January 12, 1981, during a particularly harsh winter.
Michigan
Vanderbilt, Michigan, encountered its lowest temperature of -51 degrees Fahrenheit on February 9, 1934, reflecting the state’s susceptibility to extreme cold.
Minnesota
Tower, Minnesota, experienced its lowest temperature of -60 degrees Fahrenheit on February 2, 1996, during a period of exceptionally cold weather.
Mississippi
Corinth, Mississippi, recorded its lowest temperature of -19 degrees Fahrenheit on January 30, 1966, during a rare and extreme cold snap.
Missouri
Warsaw, Missouri, faced temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit on February 13, 1905, marking one of the state’s most frigid moments.
Montana
Rogers Pass in Montana documented a bone-chilling -70 degrees Fahrenheit on January 20, 1954, during an exceptionally cold winter.
Nebraska
Oshkosh, Nebraska, experienced temperatures as low as -47 degrees Fahrenheit on December 22, 1989, underscoring the state’s susceptibility to extreme cold.
Nevada
San Jacinto, Nevada, saw its lowest temperature of -50 degrees Fahrenheit on January 8, 1937, during a period of exceptionally cold weather.
New Hampshire
Mount Washington in New Hampshire recorded its lowest temperature of -50 degrees Fahrenheit on January 22, 1885, marking one of the state’s most extreme weather events.
New Jersey
River Vale, New Jersey, experienced temperatures as low as -34 degrees Fahrenheit on January 5, 1904, during a period of exceptionally cold weather.
New Mexico
Gavilan, New Mexico, saw its lowest temperature of -50 degrees Fahrenheit on February 1, 1951, marking a particularly cold moment in the state’s history.
New York
Old Forge, New York, recorded temperatures as low as -52 degrees Fahrenheit on February 18, 1979, during a particularly harsh winter.
North Carolina
Mount Mitchell in North Carolina experienced its lowest temperature of -34 degrees Fahrenheit on January 21, 1985, during one of the state’s most extreme cold snaps.
North Dakota
Parshall, North Dakota, faced temperatures as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit on February 15, 1936, reflecting the state’s vulnerability to extreme cold.
Ohio
Milligan, Ohio, experienced temperatures as low as -39
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