In a newly released list by World Insights, cities across the globe known for their extreme heat have been ranked by the highest temperatures ever recorded, with the United States’ Death Valley taking the top spot.
At 56.7°C (134°F), Furnace Creek in Death Valley, California, holds the record for the highest temperature ever measured on Earth. The desert location, infamous for its scorching summers, continues to be a benchmark for extreme heat.
Coming in second is Kebili, Tunisia, where temperatures soared to 55.0°C (131°F), making it the hottest spot in Africa.
The Middle East dominates the list, with Mitribah, Kuwait (54.0°C), Basra, Iraq (53.9°C), and Ahvaz, Iran (53.7°C) all recording extreme highs. Turbat, Pakistan, also tied with Ahvaz at 53.7°C, underscores South Asia’s vulnerability to rising global temperatures.
In the Arabian Peninsula, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Al Ain, UAE both surpassed 52°C, while Mexicali, Mexico, and Oodnadatta, Australia, round out the top 10, with the latter being the hottest ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere at 50.7°C.
The list highlights the growing urgency of climate resilience, especially for regions already teetering on the edge of habitability due to extreme weather patterns. Experts warn that with climate change accelerating, such heatwaves may become more frequent and intense.
Top 10 Hottest Places on Earth (Recorded Temperatures):
- Furnace Creek (Death Valley), USA – 56.7°C
- Kebili, Tunisia – 55.0°C
- Mitribah, Kuwait – 54.0°C
- Basra, Iraq – 53.9°C
- Ahvaz, Iran – 53.7°C
- Turbat, Pakistan – 53.7°C
- Al Ain, UAE – 52.1°C
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – 52.0°C
- Mexicali, Mexico – 52.0°C
- Oodnadatta, Australia – 50.7°C
As global temperatures rise, these numbers serve as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead in a warming world.
