The Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded on the Planet

Weather can be unpredictable at times, and while the Earth's weather will experience natural cycles that change weather patterns consistently over the years, recent changes have made each year increasingly more erratic than the last. Natural phenomena like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) have had a significant impact and climate change has drastically affected weather patterns. Yet, one area that remains constant is the location of the hottest temperature ever recorded on the planet.

To find the hottest temperature ever recorded on the planet, 24/7 Tempo consulted several sources, including Weather.com, Guinness World Records, and World Meteorological Organization, Arizona State University. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the hottest temperature was recorded at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley, California. This desert town is about an hour and a half from Las Vegas. For more weather content, click here for U.S. cities with the nicest year-round weather.

People today think they know what hot feels like. Nothing compares to the record set in Death Valley on July 10, 1913. During that summer day, the temperature reached a boiling 134 degrees. Given that there was no air conditioning at the time, people either passing through or who lived in the town were likely desperately trying to escape. Even in 2024, less than 100 people officially call the Death Valley area home. The weather is too extreme and it's incredibly costly to ship water into the town.

Since the temperature was recorded in 1913, some places have claimed the record is inaccurate. However, even if the 134 degrees is considered wrong, Death Valley would still be home to one of the two hottest temperatures ever recorded. They would be tied alongside Mitribah, Kuwait, with an official temperature of 129.2 degrees. These two temperatures were recorded in 2013 and 2016, respectively, so there's no disputing these official submissions.

The record for hottest temperature in history could easily fall in the future. Some areas have seen warmer temperatures in the last few years. However, all it takes is one day of extreme rays hitting the Earth for the temperature record to break. There are plenty of places in California where the temperature record could easily fall. These days, people can brace for the upcoming harsh weather a lot easier than they once did.

For people in California, there's easy access to the beach on the warm days they need to cool off. There are also several areas where people can relax in the air conditioning. It's always good to be prepared for the heat, but what happens if you have no air conditioning?

Nobody wants to be stuck in the middle of the desert. However, if the circumstance ever arises, there are a few important things to do. For starters, it's vital to be near an area that's heavily trafficked. Getting near a road or a place where people drive is key. The odds of you finding someone to help you are incredibly high. It's also important to conserve as much water as possible. The first instinct many people have is to drink water to stay hydrated.

It's important to note that you should not drink too much at one time. Save your energy by not walking or going anywhere. The worst thing you can do is start walking without knowing where you're going. Conserving energy and water is important when you're in the desert. Because of cell phones, it's also much easier to get ahold of someone today.

It's also important to ensure your phone is fully charged before driving through a desolate area. If you're near a road, though, odds are you'll come across someone soon who can help you. For more weather content, click here for the 11 best parks to visit with good weather.