‘Worst’ climate in U.S.? Book says Idaho, Maine

Hot summers and cold, blustery winters have prompted authors of a book about cities to label Pocatello, Idaho, with the worst climate in the United States and Canada.

Pocatello is listed by Bert Sperling and Peter Sanders, authors of “Cities Ranked and Rated.” It said the only other worse climates are found in Maine cities Lewiston and Portland and in Burlington, Vt., and Duluth, Minn.

The book said Pocatello on average has 33 days a year above 90 degrees and 18 days with lows falling below 5 degrees.

Topping the chart for the country’s best climate is Salinas, Calif., which is followed by Honolulu and three other California cities – Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa and San Luis Obispo.

KPVI weather anchor Scott Stevens said that last year, Pocatello’s temperature ranged from a summer high of 104 degrees July 20 to a winter low of 0 degrees Feb. 14.

Stevens, a local native, said the climate’s volatile nature likely led to Pocatello’s listing.

However, for a weather anchor, it makes for exciting times.

“I like the climate for my job,” Stevens said. “I like having things to talk about. There are many different climates all in one small area. For those who do not like variety, this isn’t the place to be.”

Despite the lengthy winters, Stevens said the Caribou Range and Centennial Mountains that insulate Pocatello and the Snake River Valley keep much of the extreme cold that affects Canada, Montana and Wyoming from reaching southeastern Idaho.