There are few things more diverse than the Earth’s climates. While some parts of the world bask in the glory of a temperate, constant climate all throughout the year, there are others that experience huge swings in temperature from extremely cold winters to blazing hot summers. The term used for such extreme changes in climate is called “continental climate extremity.” This happens when landmasses are located far away from the moderating effects of the sea, leaving them vulnerable to scorching hot sun rays in July and freezing arctic winds in January.
Have you ever wanted to know where in our world the most extreme temperatures occur? In accordance with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) data, this article will shed light on the hottest spot on our planet, along with five cities with unrelenting summers.
Where Is the Hottest Spot on Earth?
For a correct answer to this question, meteorologists divide temperatures into two categories: ambient air temperatures (taken from thermometers placed 1.5 meters above the ground in shelters) and land skin temperatures (actual temperature of the ground taken through satellite measurement).
1. The Official Record Holder for Air Temperature: Death Valley, California, USA
There is no doubt about the location of the hottest air temperature ever recorded on our planet. It was measured at the Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley, which is situated in the California desert. The record-breaking temperature of 56.7°C (134°F) was registered on July 10, 1913.
Although there are some doubts about the accuracy of equipment used in the early twentieth century, this temperature remains an official one certified by the WMO. The reason for such a high temperature in Death Valley is due to its special location: Death Valley is a low basin at 282 feet below sea level surrounded by mountain ranges.
2. The Land Surface Skin Temperature Record: Dasht-e Lut, Iran
When it comes to determining how hot the earth can become, you need not look any further than the Lut Desert (Dasht-e Lut), located in Iran. Satellite measurements have found that the land surface skin temperature at this location reaches an amazing 80.8°C (177.4°F). The black, basaltic rock formations found here perfectly reflect sunlight, making this place perfect for cooking food directly on the ground.
Top 5 Inhabited Cities with the Highest Summer Temperatures
Although the record-holders for temperature are typically found in uninhabited deserts, there are many cities where humans have to survive in temperatures that approach those found in deserts. These are the top five hottest cities in the world based on their peak summer temperatures:
1. Ahvaz, Iran
- Highest Temperature Ever Recorded: 54.0°C (129.2°F)
- The Reality of the Weather: Situated in southwestern Iran, Ahvaz is one of the hottest cities in the world. The city is built in an industrial basin and hence is subject to harsh desert conditions coupled with humidity from the Persian Gulf. During summer, all activity in the city moves to the night when temperatures drop.
2. Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Highest Recorded Temperature: 54.0°C (129.2°F)
- The Climate Reality: The nearby weather station in Mitribah recorded a temperature of 54°C in Kuwait City, making it one of the world’s hottest cities. As an advanced city built by man, Kuwait City uses sophisticated architectural design techniques and huge power supplies to ensure that the inhabitants are protected indoors as the outside temperatures soar above 50°C (122°F) throughout the summer months.
3. Basra, Iraq
- Highest Recorded Temperature: 53.9°C (129.0°F)
- The Climate Reality: This is one of the oldest port cities in Iraq with an extreme combination of climatic conditions. Situated close to the Shatt al-Arab river, Basra has a humid greenhouse effect during the scorching summer period as water is evaporated, resulting in temperatures of 51°C to 53°C during July and August.
4. Turbat, Pakistan
- Highest Recorded Temperature: 53.7°C (128.7°F)
- The Climate Reality: Located in the province of Balochistan, this town is susceptible to heat domes in early summer. The low elevation of the valley area results in quick accumulation of solar energy before the rains can provide relief.
5. Mexicali, Mexico
- Highest Recorded Temperature: 52.0°C (125.6°F)
- The Climate Reality: Nestled right next to the California border, Mexicali is the hottest major city in all of North America. Mexicali is situated within a low-lying desert basin where sea breezes from the coast cannot moderate the climate. While nearby coastal cities remain temperate despite being only a few hours drive away, Mexicali itself is subject to the harsh desert environment.
Science Behind the Extremes in Seasonal Temperatures
What makes some of these cities go through such extremes in their seasons?
Cities that find themselves in sub-tropical desert passages or continental interiors experience thermal continentality. During the summer season, the presence of sunny weather and bare surroundings means that the heat from the sun is absorbed in the ground at 100%, where it then emits heat into the lower layer of the atmosphere. On the other hand, during winter, the absence of clouds in the sky means that whatever heat that has been stored by the Earth escapes into space.
With increasing urban heat islands and changing atmospheric temperatures, knowing about these extremes becomes very important.
When extreme heat occurs, there is also a risk of heatwaves. During heatwaves, how can one protect themselves? Be sure to read DeeplyExpress.com post ‘Top 5 Tips for Staying Safe and Cool in Heatwaves‘
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