NOAA’s U.S. Climate Extremes Index, which measures extremes of temperature, precipitation, cyclones and drought, had the ninth-highest value in its 102-year span, and almost one-third of the country experienced climate extremes, mostly related to unusually warm temperatures. 2011 saw a record 12 extreme weather events, causing over $1 billion in damages each, and causing an aggregate damage amount of about $52 billion.
Just one state, New Mexico, had temperatures below its long-term 20th century average this winter. All others were above average. Alaska experienced record cold temperatures in January, but a warmer than average December and February.
