Texas, the Lone Star State, is Burning Up!

As the Planet Warms, the Lone Star State Cooks Under a Heat Dome This Month

Texas schools may be starting, but August is turning the heat up to 11! A literal heat dome sits over Texas, with forecasters warning that the next two weeks will be the hottest of 2024 so far. Texans, already roasted by record-high temperatures this summer, now face a new extreme.

"This heat is no joke, and it's only getting worse."

The data reveals a scorching truth. Texas, the Lone Star State, ranks #4 for the highest average temperature in the nation this year. With an average of 65.8℉, it's no wonder Texans are feeling the burn. And it's not just Texas; our data shows a wider trend.

The Southern States are Sizzling: It's Not Just Texas!

Rank	State	Average Temp (°F)
1	Florida	71.5
2	Hawaii	70.2
3	Louisiana	67.2
4	Texas	65.8
5	Georgia	64.3
6	Mississippi	64.3
7	Alabama	63.7
8	South Carolina	63.4
9	Arizona	61.1
9	Arkansas	61.1

Table by Alexis Simmerman/American-Statesman | Data by The Blogler

The numbers don't lie, and it's clear that global warming has its fiery hands all over this. Texas and its neighboring Southern states are turning into a furnace, and it's only mid-August!

But It's Not All Sun and Scorching Heat...

As the Southern states sizzle, Alaska remains icy. The data shows Alaska has the lowest average temperature of 28.1℉. A full 10 degrees below the second-coldest state, North Dakota.

Rank	State	Average Temp (°F)
1	Alaska	28.1
2	North Dakota	41.1
3	Minnesota	41.8
4	Maine	41.9
5	Wyoming	42.3

Table by Alexis Simmerman/American-Statesman | Data by The Blogler

So, as Texans swelter, Alaskans are likely still bundled up. This contrast is a stark reminder of the diverse impacts of climate change. As the planet warms, some regions will experience more extreme weather, including heatwaves and cold snaps.

Let's hope Texans can keep cool, and that this heatwave breaks soon. But with no lasting cooldown in sight, it looks like we're in for a long, hot autumn...