#ExtremeWeather #ClimateRecords #DeathValley #ProspectCreek #Heatwave #ColdTemperatures #EnvironmentalData #NOAA
The United States has been subjected to extreme weather conditions, with this summer marking significant heat waves that shattered daily temperature norms, contributing to the escalation of wildfires across the nation. Visual Capitalist’s Bruno Venditti synthesized this phenomenon into an informative graphic, capturing the hottest and coldest temperatures ever documented in the U.S. This distinction places California and Alaska at opposite ends of the temperature spectrum, evidencing the vast climatic diversity within the country. The data, meticulously gathered from the National Centers for Environmental Information, underpins the graphic’s authority, providing a stark visual representation of America’s climate extremes.
California’s Death Valley holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded at a blistering 134.4°F (56.7°C) on July 10, 1913. This figure not only establishes the highest ambient air temperature recorded in the United States but also suggests it could be the highest ever recorded on Earth’s surface. Interestingly, this record, along with others from the same era, faces scrutiny from contemporary experts. Death Valley’s climate is exceptionally arid due to its positioning behind four major mountain ranges, contributing to its long, extremely hot summers and short, warm winters with scant rainfall, creating a lethal environment that causes around 1,220 deaths annually due to extreme heat.
In stark contrast, Alaska’s Prospect Creek Camp registers the coldest temperature at a frigid -80°F (-62.2°C), observed on January 23, 1971. Located approximately 180 miles north of Fairbanks, Prospect Creek has a history of mining expeditions and served as a camp for the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. Today, void of permanent residents, it stands as a testament to the harsh conditions that can occur in the U.S. These records not only highlight the climatic extremes of the United States but also underscore the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of increasing climate volatility. This contrast between the sweltering heat of California’s desert and the icy cold of Alaska’s wilderness encapsulates the diverse climatic challenges facing America today.
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