Hottest summer on record scorches Death Valley
Death Valley, known for its extreme weather conditions, has just recorded the hottest summer in its history. The record temperatures have drawn attention from both scientists and tourists, who now have to contend with the heat like never before. Where is the hottest place on Earth, and what was this summer like there?
9 September 2024 07:13
This summer in Death Valley, California, has gone down in history as one of the hottest. High temperatures over the three months have once again earned the title of the hottest place on Earth. The average daily temperature from June to August 2024 was a record 40°C (104°F), breaking previous records. In particular, July turned out to be the most extreme month, with temperatures reaching up to 54°C (129°F).
This is the hottest place on Earth
Death Valley is known as the hottest place on Earth, and this summer just confirmed it. Located in California, Death Valley recorded a record average temperature of 40°C (104°F) during the day from June to August 2024. This figure surpassed the previous record from 2021 when the average temperature was 40°C (104°F).
The highest temperature recorded this summer was 54°C (129°F) in July. This is just shy of the world record of 57°C (134°F) set in 1913, also in Furnace Creek, one of the most famous locations in Death Valley, known as one of the most dangerous places in the world.
The extreme heat is not the only problem for visitors. Nighttime temperatures also offer no relief – only a few times during the season did temperatures drop below 27°C (81°F), justifying the valley’s grim name.
Historically hot summer - what temperature levels dominated here?
The summer of 2024 was a record-breaker in Death Valley, both in terms of the duration of heatwaves and the intensity of temperatures. July 2024 became the hottest month in the park's history. During the month, temperatures only seven times did not exceed 49°C (120°F), and for nine consecutive days, temperatures recorded were 52°C (126°F) or higher.
Moreover, nighttime coolness was virtually nonexistent. The average nighttime temperature was 33°C (92°F), and for nine days in July, the temperature at night did not even fall below 38°C (100°F). Such conditions made the daytime and nighttime a true challenge for those in the park.
Consequently, Death Valley National Park maintains its extreme heat warning. Temperatures may range from 43°C to 54°C (109°F to 129°F) through the rest of September and into early October, with tourists advised to minimize the time spent outdoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid hiking after 10 AM. The park also reminds visitors that in most areas of Death Valley, cell phones do not work, so travellers must be well-prepared to survive in extreme conditions.
