Several unusually warm March months have been recorded in Kentucky over the past century, reflecting a long-term warming trend linked to climate change.
According to data compiled by Stacker using information from the National Centers for Environmental Information, temperatures across the United States have steadily increased over the past century. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that Earth’s temperature has risen roughly 2 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880.
The analysis ranked the warmest March months in Kentucky since 1895 based on average statewide temperatures.
Here are the 10 hottest March months recorded in Kentucky:
#10 — March 1938
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Average temperature: 52°F
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High: 63.6°F
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Low: 40.4°F
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Precipitation: 6.32 inches
#9 — March 1935
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Average temperature: 52.6°F
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High: 63.4°F
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Low: 41.8°F
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Precipitation: 9.92 inches
#8 — March 1973
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Average temperature: 52.8°F
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High: 63.5°F
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Low: 42.1°F
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Precipitation: 6.19 inches
#7 — March 2007
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Average temperature: 53.3°F
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High: 65.8°F
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Low: 40.7°F
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Precipitation: 2.76 inches
#6 — March 1910
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Average temperature: 53.6°F
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High: 68.4°F
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Low: 38.9°F
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Precipitation: 0.89 inches
#5 — March 1907
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Average temperature: 53.7°F
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High: 64.7°F
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Low: 42.8°F
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Precipitation: 4.32 inches
#4 — March 1946
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Average temperature: 54.7°F
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High: 66.3°F
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Low: 43°F
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Precipitation: 4.42 inches
#3 — March 1945
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Average temperature: 55.1°F
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High: 66.8°F
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Low: 43.3°F
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Precipitation: 6.51 inches
#2 — March 1921
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Average temperature: 55.4°F
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High: 67.9°F
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Low: 43°F
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Precipitation: 5.6 inches
#1 — March 2012
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Average temperature: 58°F
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High: 70.5°F
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Low: 45.6°F
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Precipitation: 4.5 inches
March 2012 remains the warmest March ever recorded in Kentucky, with temperatures significantly higher than historical averages. Scientists say rising global temperatures are increasing the likelihood of more unusually warm months in the future.