Global Temperature Extremes

Types of Records

Gary Arndt explains that there are three types of temperature records: air, ground, and satellite. Air temperature is the most commonly reported and is measured at 1.5 meters above ground in the shade. Ground temperatures can be significantly higher, with the highest recorded at Furnace Creek in 1972 reaching 93.9°C (201°F). Satellite measurements cover more areas but are considered less reliable.

The highest temperature ever recorded by satellite was in 2005 in the Lut desert in Iran, at 70.7°C (159.3°F).

--- Gary Arndt

These different methods highlight the complexities in recording and verifying temperature extremes 1.

   

Record Highs

The highest air temperature ever recorded was at Furnace Creek in Death Valley, which is 282 feet below sea level and surrounded by high mountains. This unique geography traps heat, causing extreme temperatures. The highest ground temperature was also recorded at Furnace Creek, while the highest satellite temperature was in the Lut desert.

Death Valley's unique geography traps heat, causing it to be one of the hottest places on Earth.

--- Gary Arndt

Even Hawaii, known for its mild climate, has lower high temperatures than Alaska, illustrating the diverse factors influencing temperature records 1.

   

Record Lows

The coldest temperature ever recorded at a station was -89.2°C (-128.6°F) at the Soviet Vostok research station in Antarctica. This location is near the Antarctic pole of inaccessibility and sits at an elevation of 3,500 meters. In 2010, a satellite recorded an even lower temperature of -93.2°C (-135.8°F) over Antarctica.

Vostok station is the perfect place for ultra-cold weather due to its location and elevation.

--- Gary Arndt

These extreme lows highlight the unique environmental factors that contribute to record-breaking cold temperatures 1.