Hellish heatwave: Death Valley nears all‑time temperature record
California's Death Valley is recognized as one of the hottest places on our planet. This was confirmed by the temperature recorded here on Saturday, which was murderous. Although the record has not yet been broken, it is still hard to imagine such hellish heat. With each passing month, it could get even warmer.
Hellish heat in California's Death Valley. Thermometers registered 54°C, just 1°C, short of the credible world record. This record belongs to Death Valley and was set on July 10, 2021. At that time, 54°C was recorded here.
Some climate studies point to a different record. It was said to have occurred in Death Valley on July 10, 1913, and stands at 57°C. However, this result is highly controversial and is challenged by many. The most significant doubts arise because the measurement was not taken according to the modern guidelines of the World Meteorological Organization, which could make it credible.
The temperature record in Death Valley could be broken in the coming days. According to the abc30.com portal, as early as next Wednesday at 2:00 PM ET, the temperature could exceed 54°C.
Fortunately, the hellish heat from Death Valley does not threaten us, but that does not mean we have no cause for concern. We have just had the hottest year on record.
We gained an additional 26 warm days
An international team of scientists confirmed that 2023 was the hottest year on record. Unfortunately, the first half of this year maintains this trend. A report by organizations studying extreme weather phenomena, including Climate Central, Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, and World Weather Attribution, clearly indicates that almost 80 percent of the population experienced more hot days.
In the past year – breaking heat records – the average Earth resident experienced 26 more days of exceptionally high temperatures than would have occurred without climate changes caused by human activity, scientists emphasize.
The number of warm days in different parts of the globe varies. In some countries, it is two or three weeks warmer per year. In contrast, in others, 120 additional days of higher temperatures are already present (this is the case in Colombia, Indonesia, and Rwanda, among others).
