The highest temperature on Earth: a new record was recorded in Death Valley

The highest temperature on Earth, 54,4 ° C (130 F), has been recorded in Death Valley National Park in California. Writes about it with the BBC.

Photo: Shutterstock

Data is verified by the US National Weather Service. The warming comes amid a heatwave on the US West Coast, where temperatures are expected to rise further this week.

Hot weather led to two days of power outages in California after a power plant went out of service on Saturday, August 15.

What were the previous records

Previously, the highest temperature reliably recorded on Earth was 129,2 F (54 C) - also in Death Valley in 2013.

Higher temperatures of 134 F or 56,6 C a century earlier, also in Death Valley, are disputed. Some modern weather experts believe this was a mistake, as did several other hot temperatures that summer.

Other temperatures in the region, recorded in 2016, do not support Death Valley readings, according to a 1913 analysis by weather historian Christopher Burt.

Another record temperature for the planet - 131°F or 55°C - was recorded in Tunisia in 1931, but Burt said that value, as well as others recorded in Africa during the colonial era, raise "serious reliability problems." .

Heat wave

The current heatwave extends from Arizona in the southwest to the coast to Washington State in the northwest.

The heat wave is expected to peak on Monday and Tuesday, August 17-18, before temperatures begin to drop at the end of the week. However, the sweltering heat will last for at least another 10 days.

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The California Independent System Operator (CISO), which supplies electricity to the state, has declared a Level 3 emergency, which means "the demand for electricity is starting to exceed supply."

Because most of the region's energy relies on solar and wind energy, and because people use electricity for air conditioning, during heatwaves, the power system becomes overloaded and can fail.

To manage state power needs and prevent blackouts, officials use planned power outages to control and conserve power.

КWhat are the consequences of extreme heat

Officials define heat extremes as a period of two to three days of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90F (32C).

US public health authority the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says heat waves have killed more people on average than any other extreme weather event in the country.

The direct effects of heat waves on the human body are heat cramps, dehydration, and even potentially fatal heat stroke.

However, extreme heat can also exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory disease, heart disease and kidney disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

It can also affect infrastructure. In addition to overloading power grids and power outages, extreme heat can melt roads and overheat cars inside.

Heat waves can also have a major impact on agriculture, either by causing vegetables to wilt and die or by promoting the spread of plant diseases.

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