Scorching Milestones: A Glimpse into Earth's Hottest Temperatures on Record

Summers are here and as we brace for a hot long summer, let’s take a look at some of the highest temperatures ever recored on Planet Earth.

Temperatures on Earth have been measured in three major ways: air, ground, and via satellite observation.

At least 22 countries have recorded maximum temperatures of 50C (122F) or above.

But did you know that the current, highest officially registered temperature is 56.7C (134F), recorded in California’s Death Valley back in 1913.

The heat record was set at the aptly named Furnace Creek area in the California desert. Average summer temperatures, meanwhile, in the area often rise above 45°C (113°F).

The hottest known temperature recorded in Africa is 55C (131F), in Kebili, Tunisia in 1931.

Iran holds the record for Asia’s hottest official temperature of 54C (129F), which it recorded in 2017.

In May 2016, an all-time record high temperature of 51°C was recorded in Alwar, Rajasthan.

In the National Capital region, as per IMD records, the highest maximum temperature ever recorded at Safdarjung was 47.2 degrees Celsius on May 29, 1944. The highest at Palam was 48.4 degrees Celsius on May 26, 1998

The highest temperature ever recorded in Europe was 48.8C (119.8F) on the Italian island of Sicily on August 11, 2021.

On July 19, 2022, The United Kingdom recorded its highest-ever temperature, reaching 40.2C (104.4F), according to its Meteorological Office.

Year wise, the year 2023 was the hottest year on record, with the increase in Earth's surface temperature nearly crossing the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

July-4, 2023 was the hottest day on Earth, with the global average temperature reaching 17.18 degrees Celsius.