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The Hottest Place on Earth: Death Valley Hit 134°F
Why this California desert holds the world heat record
Death Valley holds the world record for the hottest temperature ever reliably recorded at 134°F (56.7°C) on July 10, 1913. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 120°F.
Key Facts
Hottest Temperature Ever
134°F (56.7°C)
Record Date
July 10, 1913
Location of Record
Furnace Creek, Death Valley
Lowest Point in North America
282 feet below sea level
Average July Temperature
116°F (47°C)
Days Above 100°F Yearly
Over 130 days
Annual Rainfall
Less than 2 inches
Ground Temperature Record
201°F (94°C)
Hottest Month
July
Summer Nighttime Lows
Often above 100°F
Consecutive Days Above 120°F
Up to 5 days straight
Location
California and Nevada border
About The Hottest Place on Earth: Death Valley Hit 134°F
Death Valley holds the world record for the hottest air temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth at 134°F (56.7°C) on July 10, 1913. This scorching California desert regularly experiences summer temperatures exceeding 120°F, with the ground surface reaching a blistering 201°F hot enough to cause severe burns instantly.
The Day Death Valley Hit 134 Degrees
On July 10, 1913, a weather observer at Furnace Creek in Death Valley recorded an air temperature of 134°F in the shade. This measurement occurred during an extreme heat wave that baked the southwestern United States. The temperature remains the highest reliably recorded air temperature in world history. While some dispute the 1913 reading's accuracy due to old equipment, most meteorologists accept it as the official record.
Why Death Valley Gets So Incredibly Hot
Death Valley sits 282 feet below sea level at its lowest point, making it the lowest elevation in North America. Hot air sinks into the valley and gets trapped by surrounding mountains that block cooling winds. The valley floor absorbs intense sunlight and radiates heat back into the air throughout the day. This creates an oven effect where temperatures climb higher and higher with nowhere for the heat to escape.
Modern Heat Records Continue
Death Valley nearly broke its own record in August 2020 when thermometers hit 130°F (54.4°C). This marked the hottest temperature reliably recorded anywhere on Earth in over 100 years. Multiple years in the 2010s and 2020s saw temperatures reach 129°F. Climate scientists note that Death Valley's extreme heat is getting more frequent and intense as global temperatures rise.
Ground Temperatures That Melt Shoes
While air temperature measurements happen in the shade, the ground surface in Death Valley reaches far hotter extremes. Scientists have measured ground temperatures of 201°F using infrared thermometers. At these temperatures, unprotected skin burns instantly and shoe rubber begins to melt. Park rangers warn visitors never to touch rocks or walk barefoot on pavement during summer.
Surviving the Extreme Heat
Despite the brutal temperatures, Death Valley is home to wildlife and occasional human visitors. Animals like desert bighorn sheep and roadrunners survive by staying inactive during peak heat and emerging at dawn or dusk. Park visitors are warned to drink a gallon of water per hour in summer, stay in air conditioned vehicles, and avoid hiking during daylight. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can occur in minutes.
Other Extreme Heat Locations
Death Valley faces competition for the hottest place title. Mitribah, Kuwait recorded 129.2°F in 2016, and Turbat, Pakistan hit 128.7°F in 2017. However, many meteorologists question readings from some international weather stations. Death Valley's 1913 record of 134°F remains officially recognized by the World Meteorological Organization as the highest temperature ever recorded.
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Historical Analysis
⚡Historical Significance
- •
Death Valley received its ominous name from a group of pioneers who became lost there during the California Gold Rush of 1849.
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The 1913 temperature record was set during an extreme heat wave that affected the entire southwestern United States.
- •
Weather observation at Furnace Creek began in 1911, just two years before the record was set, making the measurement fortunate timing.
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Death Valley became a national monument in 1933 and was upgraded to national park status in 1994.
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The valley has been used for testing heat resistant materials, vehicles, and equipment under extreme conditions.
📝Critical Reception
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Some meteorologists question the 1913 record due to old equipment and measurement techniques, though most accept it as valid.
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The World Meteorological Organization officially recognizes the 134°F reading as the highest temperature ever recorded.
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The 2020 reading of 130°F provided modern validation that Death Valley can reach temperatures within range of the historic record.
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Scientists note that climate change is making Death Valley's extreme heat events more frequent and intense.
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Research confirms that Death Valley's unique geography creates conditions for extreme heat found nowhere else on Earth.
🌍Cultural Impact
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Death Valley became synonymous with extreme heat in popular culture, appearing in countless films and stories about desert survival.
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The location attracts tourists specifically to experience extreme heat, with some visiting during summer despite dangers.
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The valley's harsh environment has made it a testing ground for technology intended for Mars exploration.
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Park rangers share dramatic stories of heat related incidents to warn visitors about the genuine dangers.
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Death Valley represents nature's extremes in public imagination alongside places like Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench.
Before & After
📅Before
Before weather monitoring began, Death Valley was known simply as a dangerous place where pioneers died attempting to cross. Local indigenous Timbisha Shoshone people adapted to the environment over thousands of years but could not quantify just how extreme the temperatures were. The valley's deadly reputation existed without scientific measurement.
🚀After
After establishing weather stations, scientists documented that Death Valley holds the world record for the hottest temperature ever recorded. The 134°F reading in 1913 has never been exceeded anywhere on Earth. Modern monitoring shows temperatures regularly exceeding 120°F, confirming that Death Valley remains the hottest place on the planet and continues setting modern records.
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Did You Know?
•
Death Valley recorded 134°F in 1913, the hottest temperature ever reliably measured on Earth
•
Ground temperatures reach 201°F, hot enough to cause instant burns and melt shoe rubber
•
The valley sits 282 feet below sea level, creating a natural oven that traps heat
•
In 2020, Death Valley hit 130°F, the hottest temperature recorded anywhere in over 100 years
•
Summer temperatures exceed 120°F regularly, with over 130 days above 100°F yearly
•
Nighttime summer temperatures often stay above 100°F, providing no cooling relief
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Why It Still Matters Today
•
Death Valley provides a natural laboratory for studying how life adapts to extreme heat
•
Climate scientists monitor the valley as an indicator of how global warming affects temperature extremes
•
The 2020 near record temperature showed that historic extremes remain possible and may become more common
•
Technology tested in Death Valley helps develop equipment for extreme environments including Mars
•
Understanding why Death Valley gets so hot helps meteorologists predict dangerous heat waves elsewhere
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Test Your Knowledge
How much do you know? Take this quick quiz to find out!
1. What is the hottest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth?
2. Why does Death Valley get so hot?
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Original Insights
•
Ground surface temperatures in Death Valley reach 201°F, hot enough to cause instant burns and melt shoe rubber
•
Summer nighttime temperatures often stay above 100°F, providing no cooling relief even after the sun sets
•
Death Valley can experience up to 5 consecutive days above 120°F during extreme heat waves
•
The valley floor sits 282 feet below sea level at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America
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Despite the brutal heat, wildlife including desert bighorn sheep and roadrunners survive by avoiding peak temperatures
•
Park visitors are advised to drink a gallon of water per hour during summer heat and avoid outdoor activity during daylight
Frequently Asked Questions
The hottest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth is 134°F (56.7°C) at Death Valley's Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913. This extreme reading occurred during a severe heat wave. In 2020, Death Valley nearly broke its record by reaching 130°F.
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Sources & References
4.
Journal of Applied Meteorology: Desert Heat Studies
This article is reviewed by the Pagefacts team.
Editorial Approach:
This article explores why Death Valley holds the extreme temperature record, revealing the unique geography that creates an oven hot enough to melt shoes and cause instant burns on exposed ground.
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