Texas Heat Chronicles: The Top 7 Hottest Temperatures Ever Recorded

For the record, I am not a fan of the heat. Yes, with a name like Fearless, you might think I’d be fine with it, but not when it comes to Texas temperatures. Sure, I enjoy heat in my tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salsa and pico de gallo, and yes, even my bath water. But these scorching Texas summers? Not so much.

So far this summer, we’ve been facing more triple-digit days than I can ever remember. It’s brutal outside so, remember to never leave any one or thing, in your vehicle for too long.

Now, I used to love a good hot summer day when I was younger. Even as I got older, when I had a pool in the backyard, the heat wasn’t so bad—those hot summer days were almost fun. But nowadays? I’m over it. I think 85 degrees, maybe even 90, is plenty hot enough. But 108 degrees? Seriously? Who came up with these numbers?

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And then it got me thinking, I recall a month back in the mid-'90s when temperatures really got out of control. That led me to do some digging. What are the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the Lone Star State? During my search, I stumbled upon the record for the hottest temperature in the United States. It was in California’s Death Valley (quite fittingly named). The temperature once hit a staggering 134 degrees!

So, how hot has it gotten here in Texas? Well, let's start with #7 on the list. Conveniently, it happened right here in West Texas, in the city of San Angelo. And it wasn’t too long ago, June 2023, to be exact. The San Angelo National Weather Service office recorded a blistering 114 degrees. Now that’s Texas heat for you!

Here are the top seven hottest temperatures ever recorded in Texas

• #7 - 114°F (45.549°C) San Angelo, Texas - June 20, 2023
• #6 - 114°F (45.555°C) Waco, Texas - July 23, 2018
• #5 - 115°F (45.56°C) Laredo - June 19, 2023
• #4 - 115°F (45.57°C) Del Rio, Texas - June 21, 2023
• #3 - 119°F (48.33°C) Monahans, Texas - June 28, 1994
• #2 - 120°F (48.89°C) Seymour, Texas - August 12, 1936
• #1 - 120 °F (48.90°C) Monahans, Texas - June 30, 1994
  Source: Energy-Bot

As we brace for even higher triple-digit temperatures, forecasted to reach around 108 degrees by the middle of next week. It's very more important than ever to stay safe and remember to keep yourself hydrated, don’t forget to check on the elderly who may be more vulnerable during these extreme conditions. If you have pets or animals outside, make sure they have plenty of water and shade. Let's all do what we can to stay cool, stay safe, and look out for each other as we endure another blazing Texas summer.