The highest temperature ever recorded was 134 degrees Fahrenheit (57 Celsius) in Death Valley on July 10, 1913. Located in the US and stretching across parts of California and Nevada, Death Valley is one of the hottest desert areas in North America and has average temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius). During the period of July 9 through July 13 in 1913, Death Valley’s temperatures were especially hot and reached at least 129 degrees Fahrenheit (54 Celsius) each day, with July 10 reaching the record-breaking 134 degrees Fahrenheit (57 Celsius). Death Valley is prone to extreme heat because its lack of plant cover makes the desert surface unprotected from sunlight, and the heat becomes trapped due to the valley’s depth.
More about temperature:
- It was thought that El Azizia, Libya reached the highest temperature ever recorded in 1922 at 136 degrees Fahrenheit (58 Celsius), but those measurements have not been verified.
- The first experiments to measure temperature dates back to Greek scientist Galen in A.D. 170.
- The lowest temperature on official record is -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-89 Celsius) in Antarctica in 1983.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth?
The highest temperature ever officially recorded on Earth was 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius) in Death Valley, California, USA, on July 10, 1913. This extreme temperature was measured at Furnace Creek Ranch, and it stands as a testament to the intense heat that some parts of our planet can experience.
Has Death Valley always held the record for the highest temperature?
No, Death Valley claimed the record after the previous highest temperature of 136.4 degrees Fahrenheit (58 degrees Celsius), recorded in Al 'Aziziyah, Libya, in 1922, was invalidated by the World Meteorological Organization in 2012 due to concerns about the measurement's accuracy and the observing practices at the time.
Are there any places on Earth that regularly reach temperatures close to the record?
While no other location consistently reaches temperatures as high as the record, regions like the Lut Desert in Iran and the Sonoran Desert in the USA and Mexico frequently experience extreme heat. According to satellite data, the Lut Desert has reached surface temperatures of over 159 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius), although these are not air temperatures.
How do scientists ensure the accuracy of temperature records?
Scientists ensure the accuracy of temperature records by using standardized equipment and procedures set by the World Meteorological Organization. Measurements must be taken with calibrated thermometers, placed in a ventilated shelter, and located at a height of 1.2 to 2 meters above the ground to avoid direct heat from the surface.
Could climate change lead to new temperature records being set?
Climate change is likely to lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, increasing the chances of new temperature records being set. According to climate models and historical data trends, global warming is intensifying extreme weather events, making it plausible that existing temperature records could be surpassed in the future.
What impacts do such high temperatures have on wildlife and ecosystems?
Extreme high temperatures can have devastating impacts on wildlife and ecosystems. Heat stress can lead to dehydration, habitat loss, and reduced reproductive success. Species that cannot adapt or migrate may face increased risk of extinction. Ecosystems like coral reefs and rainforests are particularly vulnerable to heat-induced stress and subsequent biodiversity loss.
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Discussion Comments
Due to how much technology has advanced in this day and age, it's definitely a lot easier to record temperatures around the world. While meteorologists use a radar to track weather patterns and determine a future forecast, the average resident can even do some research on the weather in their neighborhood.
Although Antarctica has been know to have some very cold temperatures, I didn't know temperatures could get that low. Overall, when it comes to weather conditions, it really seems like there are two sides of the extreme. First of all, in deserts and other hot places, temperatures can rise up to the low to mid hundreds. On the other hand, we also have places in the North. Generally speaking, both places are uninhabitable for humans, and I wouldn't want to be in either of them.
In the second bullet point, one thing that I've noticed is how it says measuring temperatures dates back to centuries ago. If that's the case, compared to this day and age, how exactly was temperature measured? Though I'm sure it couldn't have been that difficult, don't forget that tools were a lot more primitive in A.D. 170. This is just my best guess, but one thing that might have benefited them was estimation, especially if the temperatures were fluctuating wildly.
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