Counties in Georgia with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Written by:
January 3, 2023
tradville // Shutterstock
Counties in Georgia with the fastest-rising temperatures in the last 100 years
Hitting 116 degrees F in normally temperate Portland, Oregon. 105 degrees in Reno in September, just as summer is meant to be waning. And in California's Death Valley National Park, temperatures hit almost 130 degrees in the aptly named Furnace Creek, marking a world record for the hottest September day in history.
2021 and 2022 saw some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded, as across the country extreme heat waves wreaked havoc on communities accustomed to more moderate weather. For many regions, the consequences were grave: in the 2021 Western heatwave, hundreds lost their lives, largely due to a lack of air conditioning, and wildfires ravaged the area.
Map of the past year's temperatures compared to the 100-year average
While not every county in the nation has experienced such extreme heat, climate change has dramatically changed the heat landscape in nearly every state. Coastal regions and the Southern U.S. are particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures, and are also frequently targets of extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes.
Just as all states are not impacted equally by rising temperatures, regions within states have also seen widely different temperature changes over the last decades. Factors such as proximity to urban areas, bodies of water, and mountains can dramatically change the climate of a region. Stacker cited data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Center for Environmental Information to identify the counties in Georgia with the greatest departure from average temperatures during the period December 2021 to November 2022 compared to the 1901-2000 average. Average temperature over the past year served as a tiebreaker. Additional data on recent average high and low temperatures for each county is also included.
#50. Elbert County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.9 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.5 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.9 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.5 F (2.2 F above century average)
#49. Heard County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.2 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.2 F (2.2 F above century average)
#48. Oglethorpe County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.8 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.9 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.8 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.9 F (2.3 F above century average)
#47. Oconee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.9 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.9 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75 F (2.6 F above century average)
#46. Meriwether County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.8 F (2.2 F above century average)
#45. Greene County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.1 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.1 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.2 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.1 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.2 F (2.5 F above century average)
#44. Bibb County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.4 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.4 F (2.7 F above century average)
#43. Peach County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.3 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.3 F (1.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.3 F (2.6 F above century average)
#42. Macon County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.9 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.4 F (2.4 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.9 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.4 F (2.4 F above century average)
#41. Candler County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.9 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.7 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.9 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.7 F (2.8 F above century average)
#40. Lee County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79 F (2.2 F above century average)
#39. Bacon County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.1 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.5 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.1 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.5 F (2.2 F above century average)
#38. Chatham County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.3 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.5 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.3 F (2.7 F above century average)
#37. Ware County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.6 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.6 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
#36. Carroll County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.5 F (2.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.9 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #11 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 50.5 F (2.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.9 F (2.1 F above century average)
#35. Cobb County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.6 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #9 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.3 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 73.6 F (2.3 F above century average)
#34. Walton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.5 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.9 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.5 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.9 F (2.8 F above century average)
#33. Columbia County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.1 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.3 F (2 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.1 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.3 F (2 F above century average)
#32. Jones County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.4 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.1 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.4 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.1 F (2.9 F above century average)
#31. Burke County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 65.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.9 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.8 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.9 F (2.7 F above century average)
#30. Sumter County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.2 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.4 F (2.1 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.2 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.4 F (2.1 F above century average)
#29. Brantley County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.6 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.4 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.6 F (2.5 F above century average)
#28. Pierce County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 68.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.8 F (2.3 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 56.2 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.8 F (2.3 F above century average)
#27. Morgan County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.8 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.2 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.8 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.2 F (2.9 F above century average)
#26. Pike County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.7 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.2 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.7 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.2 F (2.5 F above century average)
#25. Lamar County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.4 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.8 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.4 F (2.4 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.8 F (2.7 F above century average)
#24. Putnam County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.5 F (3 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52 F (1.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.5 F (3 F above century average)
#23. Monroe County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.1 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.6 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.1 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.6 F (2.8 F above century average)
#22. Jenkins County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.8 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.8 F (3.1 F above century average)
#21. Screven County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.3 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.9 F (3 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.3 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 78.9 F (3 F above century average)
#20. Bulloch County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.1 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80 F (3 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.1 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80 F (3 F above century average)
#19. Effingham County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.7 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.7 F (2.9 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55.6 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.7 F (2.9 F above century average)
#18. Charlton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.4 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 57.4 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 81.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
#17. Hart County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.7 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.2 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.7 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.2 F (2.8 F above century average)
#16. Richmond County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.7 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.2 F (2.2 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.7 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.2 F (2.2 F above century average)
#15. Dooly County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 66.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.5 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.1 F (3.2 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 54.5 F (2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.1 F (3.2 F above century average)
#14. Camden County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 69.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 59 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 80.1 F (2.6 F above century average)
#13. Douglas County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 62.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.4 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.4 F (2.9 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.1 F (2.5 F above century average)
#12. Fulton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.9 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.2 F (2.7 F above century average)
- #8 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.9 F (2.7 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.2 F (2.7 F above century average)
#11. Newton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.9 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.8 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.1 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.8 F (2.3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.1 F (3.1 F above century average)
#10. Jasper County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.5 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.6 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.4 F (3.3 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 51.6 F (2.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77.4 F (3.3 F above century average)
#9. Crisp County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 67.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.7 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.4 F (3.3 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 55 F (2.1 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 79.4 F (3.3 F above century average)
#8. DeKalb County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.3 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.5 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.3 F (2.6 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 74.5 F (3.1 F above century average)
#7. Coweta County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.2 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.3 F (2.5 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.2 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.3 F (2.5 F above century average)
#6. Rockdale County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 63.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.2 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.4 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.2 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.4 F (3.1 F above century average)
#5. Butts County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.2 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #6 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.2 F (2.5 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 77 F (3.1 F above century average)
#4. Spalding County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2.8 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.1 F (2.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.2 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #7 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.1 F (2.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 76.2 F (2.8 F above century average)
#3. Henry County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.9 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.9 F (2.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.9 F (3 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 52.9 F (2.8 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.9 F (3 F above century average)
#2. Clayton County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.2 degrees Fahrenheit (3 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.2 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.2 F (3.1 F above century average)
- #4 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.2 F (3 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.2 F (3.1 F above century average)
#1. Fayette County
- Average temperature, Dec. 2021-Nov. 2022: 64.3 degrees Fahrenheit (3.1 F above 1901-2000 average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.1 F (3.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (2.8 F above century average)
- #5 warmest year since 1895
- Recent average low: 53.1 F (3.2 F above century average)
- Recent average high: 75.5 F (2.8 F above century average)
