The 2006 average annual temperature for the contiguous U.S. was the warmest

on record and nearly identical to the record set in 1998, according to scientists

at the NOAA National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C. Seven months in

2006 were much warmer than average, including December, which ended as the

fourth warmest December since records began in 1895.

Based on preliminary data, the 2006 annual average temperature was 55

degrees F—2.2 degrees F (1.2 degrees C) above the 20th Century mean and

0.07 degrees F (0.04 degrees C) warmer than 1998. NOAA originally estimated

in mid-December that the 2006 annual average temperature for the contiguous

United States would likely be 2 degrees F (1.1 degrees C) above the 20th Century

mean, which would have made 2006 the third warmest year on record, slightly

cooler than 1998 and 1934, according to preliminary data. Further analysis of

annual temperatures and an unusually warm December caused the change in

records.

For the complete report click the link below:

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2007/s2772.htm