Baton Rouge's Hottest Years: A Close Race Between 2023 and 2024

2024 and 2023 have been neck and neck in the race for Baton Rouge's hottest year ever, tying at an average temperature of 72. 5°F. This record goes back to 1893, making it a pretty big deal. While 2024 didn't see as many scorching days as 2023, with only 6 days reaching triple-digit heat compared to 2023's 32, it made up for it in other ways. Many mornings in 2024 were warmer, tipping the balance in its favor. But wait, there's more to these temperature averages! They're calculated by taking the monthly averages rather than the daily readings over the year. If we looked at daily values, 2024 would be just a bit behind 2023, by a fraction of a degree.

2024 kept things hot almost every month, except January. July and August stood out, with average temperatures of 85. 8°F and 86. 5°F, respectively. And get this, Baton Rouge didn't hit 90°F until November 6, 2024—the latest in the year this has ever happened. Rainfall had a mind of its own in 2024. It switched from more to less than average throughout the year but, in the end, Baton Rouge found itself with a rain surplus. This early rain helped lift the region out of a severe drought.

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