According to a ranking compiled by Stacker using National Centers for Environmental Information data, September 2023 was the hottest September in Texas since records began in 1895. The month posted an average temperature of 81.8°F, a high of 94.6°F, and a low of 69°F, edging out the former record set in September 2019.
How the ranking was built
Stacker examined average monthly temperatures for every September on record, ranking each year by the highest statewide mean. For each entry the list also includes the month’s peak high, overnight low, and total precipitation. The data illustrate not only rising heat but also the variability of rainfall during the hottest months.
Top ten hottest Septembers
- #10 – September 1921: Avg 79.3°F, high 90.4°F, low 68.2°F, 2.95″ rain.
- #9 – September 1954: Avg 79.4°F, high 93.4°F, low 65.5°F, 0.93″ rain.
- #8 – September 1998: Avg 79.5°F, high 91°F, low 68.1°F, 3.39″ rain.
- #7 – September 2005: Avg 79.9°F, high 93.2°F, low 66.6°F, 1.41″ rain.
- #6 – September 1933: Avg 80°F, high 91.3°F, low 68.6°F, 2.2″ rain.
- #5 – September 1977: Avg 80.1°F, high 92.9°F, low 67.2°F, 1.48″ rain.
- #4 – September 1931: Avg 80.5°F, high 93.7°F, low 67.4°F, 0.57″ rain.
- #3 – September 1911: Avg 80.7°F, high 92.8°F, low 68.6°F, 1.54″ rain.
- #2 – September 2019: Avg 81.5°F, high 93.1°F, low 69.9°F, 2.43″ rain.
- #1 – September 2023: Avg 81.8°F, high 94.6°F, low 69°F, 2.12″ rain.
What the trend means for Texans
The upward shift in September temperatures aligns with broader climate observations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that the continental United States experienced its third‑hottest July in 2022, and each decade since 1880 has seen an average increase of roughly 0.14°F, amounting to about a two‑degree rise overall. Warmer autumns can affect agriculture, energy demand, and outdoor recreation, prompting families and businesses to plan for higher cooling needs later in the year.
Local response
Community leaders across Texas are urging residents to stay informed about heat‑related health risks, especially the elderly and children. Local health departments recommend staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. At the same time, city planners are reviewing water‑conservation measures to address the lower precipitation totals that often accompany these hotter months.
Looking ahead
While September 2023 set a new benchmark, the historical record shows that extreme heat events are not isolated. Continued monitoring of temperature trends will be essential for policymakers, farmers, and families alike as Texas adapts to a warming climate.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
