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Winter is swiftly approaching, and what better way to prepare for the impending season than by analyzing the coldest temperatures ever recorded across the country?
As December proceeds, it is inevitable that temperatures find their way below freezing in continental climates like the Midwest, and finally become tolerable in subtropical and arid regions of the South and Southwest.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the all-time coldest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. was in Prospect Creek Camp Alaska in January 1971. Some states you wouldn't expect to get very cold like Hawaii and Florida have seen temperatures in the teens and negative degrees. In fact, Hawaii is the only state that has never recorded a temperature below zero. Even California, home to the hottest place on Earth (Death Valley) and the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, recorded temperatures well into the negatives in the 20th century.
Per the list, the coldest temperature in Massachusetts was recorded in the small towns of Chester, Coldbrook, and Taunton. The temperature in all three towns reached a state record low of -35 degrees in 1981, 1943, and 1904.
Factors considered by the NOAA to determine the coldest temperatures ever recorded in each state include surface air temperature, precipitation, snow, cloudiness, hail, wind, and pressure.
Visit NOAA.gov for a full list of the coldest temperatures ever recorded across the entire United States.