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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 Decembers in West Virginia 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.

#10. December 2023
- Average temperature: 39.7°F
- Monthly high temperature: 49.5°F
- Monthly low temperature: 29.9°F
- Total precipitation: 2.97"

#8. December 2001 (tie)
- Average temperature: 39.9°F
- Monthly high temperature: 49.8°F
- Monthly low temperature: 30.1°F
- Total precipitation: 2.6"

#8. December 1982 (tie)
- Average temperature: 39.9°F
- Monthly high temperature: 49.8°F
- Monthly low temperature: 30°F
- Total precipitation: 2.83"

#7. December 1931
- Average temperature: 40.7°F
- Monthly high temperature: 49.6°F
- Monthly low temperature: 31.8°F
- Total precipitation: 3.98"

#6. December 1923
- Average temperature: 41.1°F
- Monthly high temperature: 51.6°F
- Monthly low temperature: 30.7°F
- Total precipitation: 5.52"

#5. December 1971
- Average temperature: 41.6°F
- Monthly high temperature: 51.4°F
- Monthly low temperature: 31.7°F
- Total precipitation: 1.89"

#4. December 1984
- Average temperature: 41.7°F
- Monthly high temperature: 51.6°F
- Monthly low temperature: 31.7°F
- Total precipitation: 3.54"

#3. December 1956
- Average temperature: 42°F
- Monthly high temperature: 50.9°F
- Monthly low temperature: 33.1°F
- Total precipitation: 4.57"

#2. December 2021
- Average temperature: 42.6°F
- Monthly high temperature: 54°F
- Monthly low temperature: 31.2°F
- Total precipitation: 2.53"

#1. December 2015
- Average temperature: 46.3°F
- Monthly high temperature: 55.9°F
- Monthly low temperature: 36.7°F
- Total precipitation: 4.72"