Death Valley Celebrates Centennial of the Hottest Air Temperature Ever Recorded

The original Death Valley weather station.

On July 10, 1913, a scorching temperature was recorded in Death Valley National Park. A measurement of 134 degrees marked the highest air temperature ever recorded on the planet. On July 10, 2013, Death Valley National Park, in cooperation with the National Weather Service (NWS), is hosting a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the sweltering record.

The event, which takes place at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center in Death Valley National Park, features NWS meteorologists and National Park Service Rangers who will discuss why Death Valley is so hot and everyday tips to survive in the hot climate. Following the discussions, attendees can participate in a ritual that has occurred daily since 1911 by accompanying Death Valley Rangers to the weather station to observe the daily temperature.

With the current heatwave across the region, Death Valley may soon claim a new record high. A temperature of 129 degrees was recorded on Sunday, June 30, 2013, breaking the previous June record of 128 degrees, set in 1994.

Because of the extremely hot temperatures, the National Park Service cautions summertime visitors to Death Valley to take proper safety measures, including drinking plenty of water and limiting time spent outdoors.