How hot is Alabama in the summer? These all-time records show that topping 110 is no sweat

Summer in Alabama is technically the three month period from mid-June through mid-September. But in reality “summer” here lasts much longer, with ACs beginning to hum in April and running through October. The season is sweltering, sapping and, at times, deadly.

But just how hot are Alabama summers? Here are some of the state's summer weather records and other facts about the season through the years.

What was Alabama's hottest summer?

The hottest summer on record, with records going back to 1872, was 1954 with an average state-wide high temperature of 95.6 degrees. The second hottest summer was 1902 with and average state-wide high temperature of 95.6 degrees.

More: Five ways to beat the summer heat in central Alabama

Heat waves, periods of unseasonably hot weather, are common. But the heat wave of 1980 takes a special place in history. The heat wave stretched 23 days from late  June through mid July. On July 17, 1980, 80 percent of the state reached 100 degrees or better, with one-quarter of the state reaching 105 degrees or better. The cities of Bessemer, Aliceville and Jasper reached 108 degrees.

During the heat wave there were 115 heat-related deaths recorded, the most heat-related deaths in Alabama’s history.

What was Alabama's hottest single day?

The highest temperature ever recorded in the state was 112 degrees in Centreville, in Bibb County, on Sept. 6, 1926. And to give a contrast, the lowest temperature ever recorded is -27 degrees in New Market, in Madison County, on Jan. 30, 1966.

For Montgomery the average high in July is 94 and the average low is 72, for a median temperature of 83. For August the average high is 93 and the average low is 71 for a median temperature of 82. To get an idea of state-wide average, add a few degrees for spots south and shave off a few degrees for spots north.

July is, on average, the hottest month of the year.

Record high temperatures in each Alabama city

Here are some cities’ highest recorded temperatures:

• Huntsville: 106 on June 29, 2012.
• Gadsden: 106 on June 30, 2012.
• Birmingham: 107 on July 29, 1930.
• Tuscaloosa: 107 on Aug. 29, 2000.
• Montgomery: 107 on Aug. 10, 2008.
• Dothan: 105 on July 2, 2009.
• Mobile: 106 on Aug. 23, 2023.

Source: National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association records and data.

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: How hot is Alabama in the summer? These all-time records show that topping 110 is no sweat