#1
Furnace Creek, Death Valley National Park (USA)
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Sub-sea-level Mojave graben holding the WMO-recognized 56.7°C (134°F) global air temperature record alongside modern 54.4°C readings.
Trapped between steep California mountain ranges down to 86 meters (282 feet) below sea level at Badwater Basin, Furnace Creek acts as a natural solar convection oven. Descending air compresses adiabatically while dark valley walls reradiate intense summer heat.
About Furnace Creek, Death Valley National Park
Sub-sea-level Mojave graben holding the WMO-recognized 56.7°C (134°F) global air temperature record alongside modern 54.4°C readings.
Also Ranks On
View canonical entity profile (4 lists) →Trapped between steep California mountain ranges down to 86 meters (282 feet) below sea level at Badwater Basin, Furnace Creek acts as a natural solar convection oven. Descending air compresses adiabatically while dark valley walls reradiate intense summer heat.
Key Metrics
Specifications
WMO Air Temperature Record56.7°C (134°F, July 10, 1913)
Modern Verified Peak54.4°C (130°F, Aug 2020 & Jul 2021)
Basin Floor -86 m (-282 ft) at Badwater
Average Annual Rainfall <50 mm
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Holds the WMO-archived 56.7°C (134°F) air temperature record, backed by modern 54.4°C (130°F) automated readings.
- Exposes salt pans, volcanic craters, and -86 m Badwater Basin geology along paved National Park roads.
Cons
- June–August heat regularly grounds rescue helicopters when high air temperatures reduce rotor lift.
- Flash floods from rare summer cloudbursts can wash out canyon roads within minutes.
Eligibility
- Best for: Geomorphology field trips across salt polygons and alluvial fans
- Winter-to-spring desert photography
Things to Watch Out For
- Watch out for: Summer ground temperatures exceed 80°C (176°F) and cell coverage vanishes across backcountry roads
Photos (1)
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