The hottest place in the world record is held by Death Valley, California, where a temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius) was recorded on July 10, 1913.
Understanding the World Heat Record
Death Valley, located in the Mojave Desert in the United States, is renowned for its extreme temperatures and holds the official Guinness World Record for the highest air temperature ever recorded. Its unique geographical characteristics contribute to its scorching climate, making it consistently one of the hottest locations on Earth.
The Record-Setting Event
The highest official air temperature ever recorded globally was measured over a century ago in Death Valley. This specific record highlights the extreme conditions possible in this unique desert environment.
| Location | Temperature | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Death Valley, USA | 134°F (56.7°C) | July 10, 1913 |
This record-setting temperature was recorded at Furnace Creek, a well-known area within Death Valley National Park that often experiences the most extreme heat. The record stands as a testament to the intense heat that can be generated in this deep desert basin.
Factors Contributing to Death Valley's Extreme Heat
Several factors combine to make Death Valley an unparalleled hot spot:
- Below Sea Level Elevation: Much of Death Valley lies well below sea level. The lowest point, Badwater Basin, is 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level. Air pressure is higher at these lower elevations, causing air to compress and warm up.
- Geographic Trapping: The valley is surrounded by tall mountain ranges. These mountains act as barriers, trapping hot air within the valley and preventing it from dissipating. As air flows over the mountains and descends into the valley, it undergoes adiabatic heating, warming further as it compresses.
- Minimal Vegetation: The arid environment supports very little plant life. This lack of vegetation means there is minimal evapotranspiration, a natural cooling process where plants release water vapor. As a result, more solar radiation is absorbed by the dark, rocky ground, which then radiates intense heat back into the air.
- Dry Air: The extremely low humidity of the desert air allows it to heat up more efficiently than moist air. Without water vapor to absorb some of the heat energy, the temperature can rise rapidly.
While Death Valley routinely experiences temperatures exceeding 120°F (49°C) during the summer months, the 1913 measurement remains the highest officially recognized temperature on record.
