The coldest temperature ever recorded in every state
Business Insider
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The coldest temperatures ever recorded in every U.S. state reveal a stark contrast between historical extremes and modern climate trends. While most states documented their record lows decades ago, recent severe weather events have reminded Americans of the power of extreme cold. Alaska holds the national record with -80°F in 1971, while Hawaii remains unique as the only state yet to report a subzero temperature, with its lowest at 12°F in 1979. Despite these frigid extremes, global temperatures continue to rise, raising concerns about climate change's impact on weather patterns.
The article highlights how most states experienced their coldest days long ago, often tied to remote weather stations or small towns. For example, Alabama corrected its record after a decades-long error, while Arizona's -40°F in 1971 remains significant. Alaska's -80°F stands as the U.S. record, though unofficial reports suggest even colder temperatures elsewhere. These extremes underscore the variability of U.S. weather and the challenges of maintaining accurate climate records.
For businesses, understanding these temperature extremes is crucial for risk management, infrastructure planning, and disaster preparedness. Extreme cold can disrupt supply chains, damage crops, and strain energy grids, as seen during recent blizzards in the Northeast. As global temperatures rise but extreme cold snaps persist, businesses must adapt to both hotter summers and colder winters, highlighting the growing economic impact of climate volatility.
In conclusion, while historical cold records showcase nature's extremes, they also serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between weather patterns and human activity. For business leaders, this means staying attuned to both gradual climate shifts and sudden extreme events, which are becoming increasingly unpredictable but potentially more damaging.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/23/2026