Skip to main content

Mapping the Hottest Temperatures Ever Recorded on Earth

 When summer arrives, it brings not only vacation season but also some of the most extreme heat waves across the globe. While many people associate summer with warm, sunny days, some regions endure scorching temperatures that push the limits of human endurance. To put these extremes into perspective, we’ve mapped the highest temperatures ever recorded in countries around the world.

The maps below, created by Vivid Maps, illustrate these record-breaking temperatures and the patterns of extreme heat across the globe.

The Hottest Temperature on Record

According to historical weather data, the highest reliably recorded temperature on Earth is 56.7°C (134°F), measured in Death Valley, California, on July 10, 1913. However, an even higher temperature of 58°C (136.4°F) was reportedly recorded in El Azizia, Libya, on September 13, 1922. While this Libyan record stood for decades, some meteorologists have questioned its accuracy due to inconsistencies in measurement methods at the time.

The World’s Hottest Locations

Looking at the highest confirmed temperatures by country, the top ten hottest records include:

Rank Country Location Temperature Date
1 Libya El Azizia 58.0°C (136.4°F) September 13, 1922
2 United States Furnace Creek Ranch 56.7°C (134°F) July 10, 1913
3 Tunisia Kebili 55.0°C (131°F) July 7, 1931
4 Iran Saqqez 54.0°C (131°F) June 29, 2017
5 Kuwait Mitribah 53.9°C (129°F) July 21, 2016
6 Iraq Basra 53.8°C (128.8°F) July 15, 2016
7 Pakistan Skardu 53.7°C (128.7°F) May 1, 2017
8 United Arab Emirates Al Jazeera Border Gate 52.1°C (125.8°F) July 11, 2002
9 Mexico Madera 52.1°C (125.6°F) July 28, 1995
10 Saudi Arabia Turaif 52.1°C (125.6°F) June 23, 2010

Rising Heat: When Records Were Set 

Temperature records have been breaking at an increasing rate, particularly in recent decades.
Decade Number of Countries Recording Hottest Temperatures
2010s 102
2020s 36
2000s 32
1990s 31
1980s 11
The 2010s stand out as the period with the most record-breaking heat events, with 102 countries setting new highs during this decade. This trend aligns with global warming patterns, as rising greenhouse gas emissions contribute to increasing temperatures worldwide.

Seasonal Trends in Extreme Heat

Not surprisingly, most of the highest temperature records occur in the summer months for the Northern Hemisphere, while in the Southern Hemisphere, these extreme temperatures tend to be recorded during the summer, which falls in the winter months of the Northern Hemisphere.
Month Number of Countries Setting Record Temperatures
July 54
August 47
June 23
With most of the world’s landmass located in the Northern Hemisphere, July emerges as the most common month for record-breaking heat, followed by August and June. 

The Takeaway: A Warming Planet 

As global temperatures continue to rise, record-breaking heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. Understanding these trends helps highlight the need for climate adaptation strategies, improved infrastructure, and policies to mitigate the effects of extreme heat on vulnerable populations.
Labels:

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Find cities with similar climate

This map has been created using The Global environmental stratification. The Global environmental stratification (GEnS), based on statistical clustering of bioclimate data (WorldClim). GEnS, consists of 125 strata, which have been aggregated into 18 global environmental zones (labeled A to R) based on the dendrogram. Interactive map >> Via www.vividmaps.com Related posts: -  Find cities with similar climate 2050 -  How global warming will impact 6000+ cities around the world?
Read more

Moose population in North America

The moose ( Alces alces ) is the largest member of the deer family, characterized by its massive size, long legs, and distinctive broad, palmate antlers found in males. They have a dark brown or black coat and a humped shoulder. Moose are primarily found in the boreal and mixed deciduous forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are solitary animals, often found near bodies of water, and are herbivores that feed on leaves, bark, twigs, and aquatic vegetation. Despite their size, moose are strong swimmers and can run up to 35 miles per hour. The moose population in North America is shrinking swiftly. This decrease has been correlated to the opening of roadways and landscapes into this animal's north range.   In North America, the moose range includes almost all of Canada and Alaska, the northern part of New England and New York, the upper Rocky Mountains, northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and Isle Royale.    In 2014-2015, the North Americ...
Read more

Map of Fox Species Distribution

Foxes are small to medium-sized members of the Canidae family, which also includes wolves, dogs, and other related animals. There are about 37 species of foxes distributed around the world, and they inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests and grasslands to deserts and urban areas. Below is the map of fox species distribution  created by Reddit user isaacSW Here are some of the most well-known fox species and their distribution: Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes ): The red fox is one of the most widely distributed fox species and is found in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Arctic Fox ( Vulpes lagopus ): The Arctic fox is found in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They have adaptations that help them survive in cold climates, such as a thick coat that changes color with the seasons. Gray Fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus ): The gray ...
Post a Comment
Read more