What Is the Hottest Recorded Day on Earth
The hottest reliably recorded surface air temperature on Earth is 56.7 °C (134 °F), measured on July 10, 1913, at Furnace Creek in Death Valley, California, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
Where and When the Record Was Set
The measurement was taken at the Greenland Ranch weather station, now called Furnace Creek, in Death Valley National Park. The record is recognized by the WMO as the highest ambient air temperature measured in the shade under standard conditions.
How Extreme Heat Is Measured and Verified
Official agencies use calibrated thermometers in shaded, ventilated instruments to record air temperature. The WMO reviews historical claims and invalidates measurements that lack proper equipment, exposure, or documentation, which is why some older extreme readings are disputed.
Why This Record Matters for Climate Context
The 1913 Death Valley reading is used by scientists as a benchmark for extreme heat. It helps researchers compare past and present temperatures and understand how heat waves, infrastructure, and human activity are affected by rising global temperatures.
