CBS: 2012 Was the Warmest Year in the U.S. - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

CBS is reporting the average temperature in 2012 was 55.3 degrees, breaking 2008's record for the warmest year. It's a new record for the lower 48 states.

 

In 2008 the average temperature for the year was 54.3 degrees. CBS reports government scientists were surprised by the jump in temperature. They also said 2012 was almost the worst year for weather disasters. A total of 11 disasters were accounted for in 2012, costing about $1 billion each in damage. 1998 was reportedly worse.

 

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