5 Hottest Temperatures Ever Recorded
While many regions are known for their scorching climates, a few places on Earth have experienced heat so intense that they stand out in history. Here are the five hottest temperatures ever recorded on Earth.
1. Death Valley, California, USA
Temperature: 134°F (56.7°C)
Date: July 10, 1913
Death Valley, California, holds the record for the hottest temperature ever measured on Earth. On July 10, 1913, the temperature soared to a blistering 134°F (56.7°C) at Furnace Creek. This desert valley is known for its extreme heat, low elevation, and dry conditions, making it one of the hottest places on the planet.
2. Kebili, Tunisia
Temperature: 131°F (55°C)
Date: July 7, 1931
Kebili, a town in Tunisia, recorded the second hottest temperature ever on July 7, 1931, when the mercury reached a scorching 131°F (55°C). This North African region is characterized by its arid desert climate, with intense heat during the summer months.
3. Mitribah, Kuwait
Temperature: 129.2°F (54°C)
Date: July 21, 2016
Mitribah, Kuwait, experienced a record-breaking temperature of 129.2°F (54°C) on July 21, 2016. This blistering heatwave was part of a larger pattern of extreme temperatures in the Middle East, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to rising global temperatures.
4. Basra, Iraq
Temperature: 128°F (53.6°C)
Date: July 22, 2016
Basra, Iraq, recorded a sweltering temperature of 128°F (53.6°C) on July 22, 2016, just one day after Mitribah’s record. Basra, located near the Persian Gulf, regularly experiences extreme heat during the summer, making it one of the hottest cities in the world.
5. Death Valley, California, USA (again)
Temperature: 130°F (54.4°C)
Date: August 16, 2020
Death Valley makes the list again with another record-breaking temperature of 130°F (54.4°C) on August 16, 2020. This recent measurement further cements Death Valley’s reputation as the hottest place on Earth, with temperatures consistently reaching extreme levels during the summer months.
These five locations represent the pinnacle of extreme heat on our planet. The residents and visitors who endure these scorching temperatures face challenging conditions, showcasing the remarkable adaptability of life in some of the hottest environments on Earth.