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Abstract
This study examines spatial and temporal characteristics of temperatures exceeding 38° C (100° F) in the south-central United States. Events are concentrated in three distinct zones in Texas with minimum frequencies along the coast. Although temporal analysis identifies no apparent region-wide linear trends in event frequencies, the seasonality of these events is found to vary widely across the study area. Explanations for the observed spatial and temporal patterns are offered. Although the relationship between mean and extreme temperatures is known to be strong, precipitation and rain days also were significantly correlated with extreme temperature events. Hence, the precipitation climatology may be important to understand in the assessment of the future of extreme 38° C events in the south-central United States. [Key words: extreme temperature events, spatial climatic variability, south-central United States.]