Recorded Weather Extremes, U.S. and Worldwide

Updated May 8, 2019 | Infoplease Staff
  • Highest average annual mean temperature (world): Dallol, Ethiopia (Oct. 1960–Dec. 1966), 94° F (34.4° C). (U.S.): Key West, Fla. (30-year normal), 78.2° F (25.7° C).
  • Lowest average annual mean temperature (world): Plateau Station, Antarctica, –70° F (–56.7° C). (U.S.): Barrow, Alaska (30-year normal), 9.3° F (–12.6° C).
  • Greatest average yearly rainfall (world): Cherrapunji, India (74-year avg), 450 in. (1,143 cm). (U.S.): Mt. Waialeale, Kauai, Hawaii (32-year avg), 460 in. (1,168 cm).
  • Minimum average yearly rainfall (world): Arica, Chile (59-year avg), 0.03 in. (0.08 cm) (no rainfall for 14 consecutive years). (U.S.): Death Valley, Calif. (42-year avg), 1.63 in. (4.14 cm). Bagdad, Calif., holds the U.S. record for the longest period with no measurable rain, 767 days, from Oct. 3, 1912 to Nov. 8, 1914.
  • Hottest summer average in Western Hemisphere (U.S.): Death Valley, Calif., 98° F (36.7° C).
  • Longest hot spell (world): Marble Bar, W. Australia, 100° F (37.8° C) (or above) for 162 consecutive days, Oct. 30, 1923 to Apr. 7, 1924.
  • Largest hailstone (U.S.): Aurora, Neb., 7 in. (17.8 cm) in diameter, 18.75 in. (47.6 cm) in circumference, June 22, 2003.
  • Costliest U.S. hailstorm: Denver, Colorado, July 11, 1990. Total damage was $625 million.

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