Climatological RankingsDataset Tabs Default DisplayGeneralWhen you hear or see news that a region had its hottest or wettest month since records began, you can check the climatological record books yourself. Use this page to see how conditions in U.S. Climate Divisions, states, or regions over a month or longer period rank among the historical record. Where did these data come from? Weather stations across the country gather daily observational data such as the high and low temperature of the day and the amount of precipitation that fell. Results from across the country are compiled at the National Center for Environmental Information in Asheville, North Carolina. After quality control of the data (for instance, removing values that indicate an instrument is not working), monthly values are averaged across geographic areas (division, state, region, etc.). Ranks are assigned based on how the temperature or precipitation value compares with other values for the same region when sorted from lowest to highest value for the entire period of record. How-ToWhat can I do with these data? Find out how monthly observations of temperature or precipitation for a selected city or area compare to other months in the historical record since 1895. How do I use the site? Use the pull-down menus to select your options of interest: Period - Over what time frame are you looking for the rank? (Select All to get a chart comparing all periods) Parameter - Select Temperature, Precipitation, or another variable Geographic area - State (Climate Division), Region, or Agricultural Belt Click the Update button Data AccessData format(s): TXT (ASCII), CSV, JSON Access typeURL DownloadClimatological rankings applicationLook up monthly U.S., Statewide, Divisional, and Regional Temperature, Precipitation, Degree Days, and Palmer (Drought) rankings for 1-12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60-month, and Year-to-Date time periods. DocumentationHelpful links to general information, specific technical instructions, and referenced articles related to this dataset. Climatological Ranking DefinitionsMore information on climatological rankings. TechnicalTechnical information specific to this dataset.VariablesEssential climate variables: Atmospheric›Surface›Air temperatureAtmospheric›Surface›Precipitation ResolutionTemporal resolution(s): Monthly - < AnnualMonthly Climatology Science organization: NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information