On September 13, 2012, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) officially disqualified the long-standing record for the highest recorded temperature on Earth, which had stood for exactly 90 years. The previous record of 58°C (136.4°F) was measured in El Azizia, Libya, but has now been replaced by the official high of 56.7°C (134°F), recorded on July 10, 1913, at Greenland Ranch in Death Valley, California, USA.
This change followed a thorough investigation by the WMO in 2012, which concluded that the El Azizia temperature measurement could be inaccurate by as much as 7°C. Factors contributing to this discrepancy included the asphalt-like surface on which the measurement was taken, which does not accurately reflect the native desert soil conditions.
Randy Cerveny, a member of the WMO and a geography professor at Arizona State University, noted in 2012, “This investigation demonstrates that, due to ongoing advancements in meteorology and climatology, climate experts can now re-evaluate historical weather records in much greater detail.” He added, “We accept the extreme temperature record for Death Valley. While we remain open to investigating any new evidence that may arise, all current data supports the validity of this record.”
Death Valley, located in California, is known for its extreme temperatures, with Furnace Creek experiencing an average daily high of 115°F (46°C), making it the hottest place on Earth. Ground temperatures can be even more astonishing, with a measurement of 201°F (93.9°C) recorded on July 15, 1972—just 11 degrees shy of the boiling point of water.
One significant factor contributing to Death Valley’s record temperatures is its elevation, approximately 190 feet below sea level, where air warms as it descends. Additionally, the desert valley receives less than three inches of rainfall each year, further intensifying its arid conditions.
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