The hottest place in the world is Furnace Creek in Death Valley, California, USA. The temperature was recorded there on July 10, 1913, at 56.7 degrees Celsius. The average temperature in Death Valley during the summer months is 45 degrees. However, this is the air temperature. The ground is much hotter than this. On July 15, 1972, the ground temperature in Death Valley was recorded at 93.9 degrees Celsius. The temperature of boiling hot water is slightly higher than this.
Several other places have claimed to have recorded the highest temperature. But none of them have been verified, such as a place in Libya in 1922 that claimed to have recorded a temperature of 58 degrees Celsius. But in 2012, the WMO concluded that the temperature was not ‘recorded correctly’, with an error of about 7 degrees Celsius.
2
Kebli (Tunisia)
The highest temperature recorded on the African continent was in Kebili, Tunisia. On July 7, 1931, a temperature of 55 degrees Celsius was recorded there. This is the second highest temperature ever recorded in the world. In addition to the record-breaking temperature, Kebili is also known for the presence of signs of human settlement from the Paleolithic Age. It is said that stone tools made from the Paleolithic Age, which are about 200,000 years old, have been found near the city of Kebili.
3
Ahvaz (Iran)
Dust storm in the city of Ahvaz, IranFile photo: AFP
On June 29, 2017, a temperature of 54 degrees Celsius was recorded in Ahvaz, Iran, from 4:51 PM to 5:00 PM local time. Ahvaz, the capital of Iran’s Khuzestan province, is home to about 1.3 million people. The city is famous for its 9 bridges, especially the Black Bridge and the White Bridge.
4
Tirat Giv (Israel)
On June 21, 1942, a temperature of 54 degrees Celsius was recorded in Tirat Giv, now Israel. The WMO considers Israel to be a region of Europe. For this reason, it is considered the hottest place on the continent.
Tirat Givi, located on the west bank of the Jordan River, is located on the Israel-Jordan border. As of 2021, only 975 people live here.
5
Mitribah (Kuwait)
A flock of pigeons take shelter in the shade of a tree in Kuwait during the intense heat File photo: AFP
The fifth highest temperature on earth was recorded in Mitribah, Kuwait. On July 21, 2016, the temperature in Mitribah reached a maximum of 53.9 degrees Celsius. The WMO authorities verified the record and recognized it as the hottest place in Asia. It was officially considered the hottest place in the world for about 76 years.
6
Basra (Iraq)
A man pours water on his head in the scorching heat of Basra, Iraq. File photo: AFP
The Middle East is one of the hottest regions in the world, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in some places. Basra, Iraq, is one of those places. On July 22, 2016, Basra recorded a temperature of 53.9 degrees Celsius. The same temperature was recorded a day earlier in Mitribah, Kuwait. Basra, Iraq, is home to about 1.5 million people. The city is located on the banks of the Shatt al-Arab River in the Arabian Peninsula.
7
Turbat (Pakistan)
The seventh hottest place on earth is Turbat, Pakistan. On May 28, 2017, a temperature of 53.7 degrees Celsius was recorded there. The WMO confirmed that the temperature recorded in Turbat was the fourth highest temperature recorded at that time.
Turbat is one of the hottest cities in Asia. The city is located on the banks of the Kech River in the Balochistan region of southwestern Pakistan.
8
Al-Jazeera Border Gate (United Arab Emirates)
In July 2002, the temperature at Al-Jazeera Border Gate in the United Arab Emirates was recorded at 52.1 degrees Celsius. In July 2013, the temperature there almost reached the record. The highest temperature recorded there was 51.2 degrees Celsius. This temperature prevailed for about 15 minutes. When the air temperature exceeds 50 degrees Celsius, it is considered almost unbearable.
9
Mexicali (Mexico)
Aerial photo of the Mexicali Valley File photo: AFP
On July 28, 1995, a temperature of 52 degrees Celsius was recorded in the Mexicali Valley in Mexico. This is the ninth highest temperature recorded on earth. But not only is it hot, the valley has also recorded a temperature of minus 7 degrees Celsius. The valley is located in the northern Mexican state of Baja California. Due to the intense heat, the region is also called ‘The City That Captured the Sun’. It is one of the most extreme weather regions in Mexico. The average temperature here in July is 42.2 degrees Celsius and the highest temperature in January is 21.1 degrees Celsius.
10
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
Jeddah city, Saudi ArabiaFile photo: Reuters
The temperature of 52 degrees Celsius was recorded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on June 22, 2010. This is the highest temperature on record in that region. Three days earlier, a temperature of 51 degrees Celsius was recorded in Al-Asha, near Jeddah. Jeddah is an ancient port city in western Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is the main gateway to the holy city of Mecca. More than 4.6 million people live here.
