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In 2022, the continental United States experienced its , according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, while 20 states saw one of their in the same month. The year prior, July marked the .

Climate change is driving rising temperatures and more record heat. The has climbed each decade since 1880 by about .14 degrees Fahrenheit, or roughly 2 degrees Fahrenheit total.

compiled a ranking of the hottest Februarys in Iowa since 1895 using data from the . Rankings are based on the highest average temperature in each month. For each of the hottest months listed below, we've included the average state temperature, state-wide highs and lows for the month, and the total precipitation.

#9. February 2000 (tie)
- Average temperature: 32.5°F
- Monthly high temperature: 42°F
- Monthly low temperature: 23°F
- Total precipitation: 1.37"

#9. February 1976 (tie)
- Average temperature: 32.5°F
- Monthly high temperature: 43.6°F
- Monthly low temperature: 21.3°F
- Total precipitation: 1.48"

#8. February 1999
- Average temperature: 32.9°F
- Monthly high temperature: 41.1°F
- Monthly low temperature: 24.7°F
- Total precipitation: 0.91"

#7. February 1987
- Average temperature: 33.8°F
- Monthly high temperature: 44.9°F
- Monthly low temperature: 22.7°F
- Total precipitation: 0.26"

#5. February 1931 (tie)
- Average temperature: 34°F
- Monthly high temperature: 45°F
- Monthly low temperature: 23°F
- Total precipitation: 0.23"

#5. February 1930 (tie)
- Average temperature: 34°F
- Monthly high temperature: 44°F
- Monthly low temperature: 24°F
- Total precipitation: 0.66"

#4. February 2017
- Average temperature: 34.5°F
- Monthly high temperature: 45°F
- Monthly low temperature: 24°F
- Total precipitation: 0.99"

#3. February 1998
- Average temperature: 34.8°F
- Monthly high temperature: 41.2°F
- Monthly low temperature: 28.5°F
- Total precipitation: 1.63"

#2. February 1954
- Average temperature: 35.6°F
- Monthly high temperature: 46.3°F
- Monthly low temperature: 24.8°F
- Total precipitation: 1.43"

#1. February 2024
- Average temperature: 37°F
- Monthly high temperature: 49.4°F
- Monthly low temperature: 24.5°F
- Total precipitation: 0.21"