Hot weather can be a nice change of pace from the gloom of winter, and is often welcomed in particularly cold and rainy parts of the country. Many people look forward to the warmth and sunshine all year, and even migrate to find it. Too much heat, though, can be a problem.
Unfortunately, if you were to describe this summer so far in one word, it would be hot. 2023 was already the hottest year in modern history, and 2024 is shaping up to be even hotter. The heat is inescapable, too, as ocean temperatures (SSTs) have also been at record highs for months, only exacerbating the issue. Multiple record-breaking heat waves have already impacted many cities around the world – especially the U.S – and they show no signs of letting up.
So, as summer cranks up the heat, we thought it would be helpful to break down the hottest states in the U.S. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat or become one with the sun, this list is for you.
How do we measure the hottest states?
For our purposes of determining the “hottest” states, this list will measure a state’s average summer temperature. This way, we can account for states that see very hot summers but also have milder winters, instead of exclusively favoring tropical locations that are warm year-round. We will also be including a state’s average annual temperature, but won’t use it for ranking purposes.
An average summer temperature combines a state’s average daily high and low temperatures from June-August. An average annual temperature combines a state’s annual average daily high and low temperatures and averages them into one number.
The heat index (a “feels like” temperature) is also essential to keep in mind. Heat indexes account for both air temperatures and relative humidity.
Note: It’s important to remember that our rankings account for the entire state, not just one city. You may think of a state as hot because a city in that state has a reputation for high temperatures…