With climate change, many cities around the world are reaching record high temperatures. However, there are cities that have always had high temperatures and have been classified as the hottest in the world.
In this article we are going to tell you What is the hottest city in the world? and what is the temperature record it has had.
What is the hottest city in the world?
The hottest city in the world, according to numerous meteorological records, is Al-ʿAzīzīyah (or Al-Aziziyah), located in Libya, in North Africa. This small city, located at 1,000 meters above sea level, is the hottest city in the world. About 40 kilometres southwest of Tripoli, it reached a record temperature of 58°C on 13 September 1922., a figure that held the title of the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth for many years.
However, this record was the subject of controversy. In 2012, after a thorough review by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), it was determined that the record was incorrect due to a number of measurement errors. Following this adjustment, The official record became the temperature of 56.7°C recorded at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley, California, in 1913.
Despite this, Al-ʿAzīzīyah remains one of the hottest cities on the planet, with temperatures regularly exceeding 48°C in summer. The climatic conditions in this region are extremely harsh, with intense heat, clear skies and low humidity making the environment oppressive for much of the year.
The climate in Al-ʿAzīzīyah is representative of many desert regions in North Africa and the Middle East, where high temperatures, combined with sparse vegetation and a lack of water, make daily life a constant challenge. Despite these extreme conditions, people have learned to adapt to this environment, developing ways of life and constructions that mitigate the impact of the heat.
Most important historical records of heat waves
Although Al-ʿAzīzīyah and other cities in North Africa and the Middle East have experienced extreme temperatures, one of the places with the most significant historical records of heat waves is Death Valley, in California, United States. This region, specifically Furnace Creek Ranch, currently holds the official record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth.
Death Valley is known for its extreme desert climate, with scorching summers that have set some of the highest heat records on record. The record temperature of 56.7°C, recorded on July 10, 1913, remains the highest confirmed temperature worldwide.This record occurred during an unprecedented heat wave that affected the region, where daytime temperatures exceeded 50°C for several consecutive days.
In addition to this event, Death Valley has experienced other notable heat waves:
- June 2013: Extremely high temperatures were recorded during this month, with highs reaching 54°C at Furnace Creek on June 30. This event coincided with the 1913th anniversary of the XNUMX record, highlighting the consistency of extreme heat in this region.
- July 2005: This month was particularly intense, with daily temperatures ranging from 49°C to 54°C. The heat wave lasted for several weeks, making Death Valley one of the most dangerous places to be exposed without protection.
- August 2020: Another historic milestone occurred when a temperature of 54.4°C was recorded at Furnace Creek on August 16. This record, although not surpassing the 1913 record, is one of the highest of the XNUMXst century and reinforces Death Valley's reputation as one of the hottest regions on the planet.
The extreme heat in Death Valley is a result of its unique geography. Located more than 86 meters below sea level and surrounded by mountains, the valley acts as a natural heat trap. The lack of humidity and intense solar radiation contribute to temperatures that remain high throughout the day, with nighttime lows that do not drop much, exacerbating the feeling of continuous heat.
Other hottest cities in the world
Cairo, Egypt
The capital of Egypt, Cairo is one of the largest and oldest cities in Africa and the Arab world. Located in Northeast Africa on the banks of the Nile River, this vibrant metropolis has many unique features.
Cairo is characterized by a scorching desert climate. The summer months, which typically run from May to September, can be intensely hot, with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C. However, winters are mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 °C. Rain is rare in Cairo and skies are clear and sunny for most of the year.
Las Vegas, United States
Located in the Mojave Desert, this place has a desert climate. Daytime temperatures in summer frequently exceed 40°C, resulting in intense heat.. In contrast, winters are milder, with daytime highs of around 15ºC. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the city attracts tourists looking to experience its sunny, arid climate.
Bangkok, Thailand
The city has a tropical monsoon climate, which is characterized by three main seasons: the hot, dry season, the rainy season and the cold season. The hot, dry season, characterized by dry weather and temperatures that can exceed 35°C, typically lasts from March to May. June to October is the rainy season, which brings heavy rain and thunderstorms, but can also offer cooler temperatures. The most pleasant time to visit Bangkok is during the cool season, which runs from November to February, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is less.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about which is the hottest city in the world.