U.S. states report local impacts of climate change and rising warming trends

PLOS climate study finds most U.S. states are warming

A PLOS Climate study found that 84 percent of the contiguous United States has warmed over the past 70 years. Using nationwide temperature data, researchers reported that 41 states have become warmer since the mid‑twentieth century.

Researchers examined tens of thousands of daily temperature readings, some dating back to 1950. The analysis excluded Alaska and Hawaii and focused only on the contiguous states.

The study concluded that warming is more widespread than previously suggested by earlier research. The findings were released in early 2026 and reflect long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations.

Spanish universities led the nationwide analysis

Researchers from the University of Carlos III of Madrid and the University of Zaragoza conducted the study. Economist Jesús Gonzalo and co-author María Dolores Gadea Rivas led the research effort.

The team analyzed temperature records from the contiguous United States spanning decades. Some of the data sets began in 1950 and extended through 2021.

Their work aimed to identify temperature changes at the state level rather than relying only on national averages. The approach was intended to reveal local climate patterns that may not appear in broader summaries.

Study shows warming in more states than expected

Earlier research had identified warming in 27 states between 1950 and 2021. The new analysis confirmed those findings and added 14 more states to the list.

That raised the total number of states showing significant warming to 41. The change represents a major expansion in the geographic footprint of measurable warming.

Researchers noted that this difference could influence how the country approaches climate policy. The findings suggest that climate impacts may be affecting more regions than previously assumed.

Average temperatures can hide local climate shifts

The study argues that relying on average temperatures can produce misleading conclusions. Researchers explained that averages may mask important local variations across different regions.

For example, an average temperature might appear stable even if extreme highs or lows are changing significantly. This could cause policymakers to underestimate climate risks in certain areas.

The authors emphasized that climate operates globally but is experienced locally. They argued that a more detailed analysis is needed to capture regional differences accurately.

Researchers examined full temperature ranges

Instead of focusing only on averages, the study analyzed the full range of temperatures in each state. This included both the lowest and highest recorded readings over time.

By examining the entire range, the researchers identified warming patterns that had not been visible in average-based studies. The method revealed what the authors described as previously hidden trends.

The approach was compared to income distribution analysis. Just as average income may not reflect inequality, average temperatures may not show how climate change affects different parts of a state.

Western states saw sharp increases in peak heat

Several western states experienced the largest increases in their highest temperatures. The study specifically identified California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming in this group.

In these states, the top end of the temperature range rose more significantly than other parts of the scale. This indicates stronger increases in extreme heat rather than uniform warming.

Researchers found that these patterns differed from those in other regions. The results highlight how climate change impacts vary across the country.

Central states recorded larger rises in low temperatures

Central states showed a different warming pattern than western regions. States such as Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, and the Dakotas experienced larger increases in their lowest temperatures.

In these areas, colder readings rose more noticeably than the highest temperatures. This indicates that winters or cooler periods are warming faster than peak summer heat.

The difference illustrates how climate change can affect temperature ranges in distinct ways. Not all regions experience the same type of warming.

Little-known fact: As the climate warms, some U.S. states will face more dangerous floods, while others get hit harder by long, damaging droughts.

Northern states saw uniform warming across ranges

Northern states across the upper Midwest, Northeast, and Northwest displayed another pattern. In those regions, both low and high temperatures rose at similar rates.

This meant the entire temperature range shifted upward rather than only one part of the scale. Cooler and warmer readings increased at comparable speeds.

Researchers noted that this type of warming creates a more consistent temperature shift. The pattern differs from both the western and central state trends identified in the study.

Trends appear to be accelerating over time

The study found that warming patterns across different regions are accelerating. Researchers observed increasing changes across temperature ranges as time progressed.

These shifts were detected by comparing long-term data sets rather than short-term variations. The analysis showed that changes became more pronounced in later decades.

The researchers said that recognizing these accelerating trends could help guide adaptation and mitigation strategies. Policies may need to reflect the speed and location of warming.

Some southern states show no significant warming

The study identified a group of states without statistically significant warming trends. Those states included Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, and Arkansas.

Researchers described this cluster as part of a known climate phenomenon. The region has been studied for years because it does not follow the broader warming pattern.

Despite the lack of significant warming, scientists still consider the region part of the larger climate system. The absence of warming does not contradict global climate trends.

Scientists call the region a “warming hole”

Climate scientists refer to the central and southern cluster as a warming hole. This term describes an area where temperatures have not risen significantly despite global warming.

Researchers consider the warming hole an anomaly within broader climate patterns. The region’s behavior has been studied to understand why it differs from surrounding areas.

Possible explanations include atmospheric aerosols, land use changes, and shifts in the water cycle. These factors may influence regional temperatures differently from global trends.

NOAA says more research is needed on the anomaly

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has studied the warming hole and called for further research. In 2023, the agency said additional studies were needed to understand the phenomenon.

Scientists have proposed several explanations, including aerosol effects and changes in land use. Others suggest shifts in the water cycle may influence regional cooling.

NOAA emphasized that the causes are not fully understood. Continued research could clarify how the warming hole fits into broader climate dynamics.

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Study suggests policies should focus on local trends

The researchers concluded that climate policy should consider local temperature patterns rather than relying only on national averages. Regional differences may require tailored responses.

The study showed that warming varies across states and temperature ranges. Some regions face rising extreme heat, while others experience milder winters or uniform warming.

By focusing on local data, policymakers could design more effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. The findings highlight the importance of regional analysis as of early 2026.

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Have you noticed climate changes where you live? Share your observations in the comments and leave a like.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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