This week, the UK hitting a record 40.3 degrees C. We visualized when the highest temperature of each US state was recorded to compare:
Washington, Oregon, Georgia, and Colorado all recently experiences their highest temperatures. Washington and Oregon in 2021, and Colorado in 2019. Interestingly, a large proportion of states experienced record temperatures in the 1930s. In fact, 13 states recorded their highest temperature in 1936 alone. This is due to a phenomenon known as the "Dust Bowl", which was a series of deadly heat waves and droughts that swept the Midwest and Great Lake States(weather.gov).
These issues were a direct result of farming practices that left soil vulnerable to water loss. When not looking at those affected by the Dust Bowl, however, a majority recorded their highest temperatures more recently. You can download the full data below: