The recent news has been buzzing with the extreme temperature recorded in Death Valley, USA. On August 16th, 2020, the automated weather station of the USA National Weather Service at Furnace Creek reported a staggering 54.4°C. If verified, this could be the highest temperature registered in over a century. Nestled in the southeastern part of California, Death Valley is renowned for being the lowest, hottest, and driest point of the North American continent. Now, it’s once again under the spotlight for its record-breaking heat.
Verification Awaits for the Recorded Temperature
As of now, the astonishing temperature registered is still considered preliminary. Its final acceptance is pending verification. The all-time temperature high for Death Valley, as accounted by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), is 56.7°C, recorded on July 10th, 1913, at Greenland Ranch. This record also stands as the highest temperature ever noted on the Earth’s surface. Nevertheless, the reliability of this data has been questioned due to the less advanced temperature recording systems that were available a century ago.
Heat Dome: The Underlying Cause
At the heart of this significant spike in temperature is a heat dome covering the west coast of the USA. Heat domes occur when high-pressure circulation systems trap hot ocean air, much like a lid or a cap, leading to the trapping of heat at the surface and promoting the formation of heat waves. With climate change becoming an increasingly pressing issue, higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becoming a common global pattern.
Impact of Extreme Heat on Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that extreme heat can worsen pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and kidney disorders. Immediate effects on the human body range from heat cramps and dehydration to potentially fatal heat strokes.
Extreme Heat’s Effect on Agriculture and Forests
Agriculture and forests are substantially affected by harsh temperatures. Vegetables may wilt and perish, or the spread of plant diseases could be encouraged. Such intense heat also sparks wildfires leading to a reduction in forest cover and even the death of fauna.
Influence on Infrastructure
Infrastructure isn’t immune to the effects of scorching temperatures either. Power grids can be strained, leading to blackouts. Aircraft might be grounded while roads could melt under high heat. Furthermore, the interiors of vehicles can overheat to dangerous levels, posing a risk to anyone inside.
While the repercussions of such extreme weather are far-reaching, the situation highlights the importance of combating global climate change. With ongoing developments and regular updates, people worldwide continue to keep tabs on Death Valley’s potentially record-breaking heat.
