kids encyclopedia robot

List of weather records facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
202107 Percent of global area at temperature records - Global warming - NOAA
In recent decades, new high temperature records have substantially outpaced new low temperature records on a growing portion of Earth's surface.

This is a list of weather records, a list of the most extreme occurrences of weather phenomena for various categories. Many weather records are measured under specific conditions—such as surface temperature and wind speed—to keep consistency among measurements around the Earth. Each of these records is understood to be the record value officially observed, as these records may have been exceeded before modern weather instrumentation was invented, or in remote areas without an official weather station. This list does not include remotely sensed observations such as satellite measurements, since those values are not considered official records.

Temperature

Measuring conditions

The standard measuring conditions for temperature are in the air, 1.25 metres (4 ft) to 2.00 metres (7 ft) above the ground, and shielded from direct sunlight intensity (hence the term x degrees "in the shade"). The following lists include all officially confirmed claims measured by those methods.

Temperatures measured directly on the ground may exceed air temperatures by 30 to 50 °C (54 to 90 °F). The highest natural ground surface temperature ever recorded may have been an alleged reading of 93.9 °C (201.0 °F) at Furnace Creek, California, United States, on 15 July 1972. In recent years a ground temperature of 84 °C (183.2 °F) was recorded in Port Sudan, Sudan. The theoretical maximum possible ground surface temperature has been estimated to be between 90 and 100 °C (194 and 212 °F) for dry, darkish soils of low thermal conductivity.

Satellite measurements of ground temperature taken between 2003 and 2009, taken with the MODIS infrared spectroradiometer on the Aqua satellite, found a maximum temperature of 70.7 °C (159.3 °F), which was recorded in 2005 in the Lut Desert, Iran. The Lut Desert was also found to have the highest maximum temperature in five of the seven years measured (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009). These measurements reflect averages over a large region and so are lower than the maximum point surface temperature.

Satellite measurements of the surface temperature of Antarctica, taken between 1982 and 2013, found a coldest temperature of −93.2 °C (−135.8 °F) on 10 August 2010, at 81°48′S 59°18′E / 81.8°S 59.3°E / -81.8; 59.3. Although this is not comparable to an air temperature, it is believed that the air temperature at this location would have been lower than the official record lowest air temperature of −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F).

Hottest

Highest temperatures ever recorded

Koppen-Geiger Map B present
A world map showing areas with Köppen Bh (hot, dry climates). The temperatures in these regions have the potential to exceed 50 °C (122 °F) during the hottest seasons.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the highest temperature ever recorded was 56.7 °C (134.1 °F) on 10 July 1913 in Furnace Creek (Greenland Ranch), California, United States, but the validity of this record is challenged as possible problems with the reading have since been discovered. Christopher C. Burt, a weather historian writing for Weather Underground, believes that the 1913 Death Valley reading is "a myth", and is at least 2.2 or 2.8 °C (4 or 5 °F) too high. Burt proposes that the highest reliably recorded temperature on Earth could still be at Death Valley, but is instead 54.0 °C (129.2 °F) recorded on 30 June 2013. This is lower than a 1931 record of 55 °C (131 °F) recorded in Kebili, Tunisia and is matched by a 1942 record of 54 °C (129 °F) from Tirat Zvi, Israel. 2016 and 2017 readings in Kuwait and Iran have also matched the 2013 Death Valley record, while readings in 2020 and 2021 also at Furnace Creek went even higher, up to 54.4 °C (129.9 °F/130 °F), however, they have not yet been validated by WMO. The WMO has stated they stand by the 1913 record pending any future investigations.

The former highest official temperature on Earth, 57.8 °C (136.0 °F), measured in 'Aziziya, Libya on 13 September 1922, was reassessed in July 2012 by the WMO which published a report that invalidated the record. There have been other unconfirmed reports of high temperatures, but these temperatures have never been officially validated by national weather services/WMO, and are currently considered to have been recorder's errors, thus not being recognised as world records.

By continent
Africa
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Algeria 51.3 °C (124.3 °F) El Bayadh, El Bayadh Province
Ouargla, Ouargla Province
2 September 1979
5 July 2018
 Botswana 44.0 °C (111.2 °F) Maun 7 January 2016
 Burkina Faso 47.2 °C (117.0 °F) Dori 1984
 Chad 47.6 °C (117.7 °F) Faya-Largeau 22 June 2010
 Comoros 36.0 °C (96.8 °F) Hahaya International Airport 15 November 2017
 Eswatini (Swaziland) 47.4 °C (117.3 °F) Lavumisa  ?
 Gambia 49.0 °C (120.2 °F) Jenoi 2001
 Ghana 43.8 °C (110.8 °F) Navrongo 26 March 2017
 Guinea 45.0 °C (113.0 °F) Koundara, Boké Region 29 March 2017
 Madagascar 43.6 °C (110.5 °F) Ejeda, Atsimo-Andrefana ?
 Morocco (then the French protectorate in Morocco) 51.7 °C (125.1 °F) Agadir 19 August 1940
 Niger 49.5 °C (121.1 °F) Diffa 7 September 1978
 Nigeria 46.4 °C (115.5 °F) Yola 3 April 2010
 Réunion 36.9 °C (98.4 °F) Le Port 6 March 2004
 South Africa (then the  Union of South Africa) 50.0 °C (122.0 °F) Dunbrody, Eastern Cape 3 November 1918
 Sudan 49.7 °C (121.5 °F) Dongola 25 June 2010
 Tunisia (then the French protectorate of Tunisia) 55 °C (131 °F) Kebili 7 July 1931
 Western Sahara (then the  Spanish Sahara) 50.7 °C (123.3 °F) Semara 13 July 1961
 Zambia 42.4 °C (108.3 °F) Mfuwe, Eastern Province 13 October 2010
Antarctica
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Antarctica (all land/ice south of 60°S) 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) Signy Research Station, Signy Island 30 January 1982
 Antarctica (mainland and adjoining islands) 18.3 °C (64.9 °F) Esperanza Base, Trinity Peninsula 6 February 2020
 Antarctica (Antarctic Plateau > 2,500 metres (8,202 ft)) −7.0 °C (19.4 °F) Automated Weather Station D-80 (coordinates: 70°6'S, 134°53'W, elevation: 2,500 metres (8,202 ft)) 28 December 1989
Antarctica South Pole −12.3 °C (9.9 °F) Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station 25 December 2011
Asia
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Afghanistan 49.9 °C (121.8 °F) Farah August 2009
 Bangladesh 45.1 °C (113.2 °F) Rajshahi 30 May 1972
 Bhutan 40.0 °C (104.0 °F) Phuentsholing 27 August 1997
 Cambodia 42.6 °C (108.7 °F) Preah Vihear 15 April 2016
 China 50.5 °C (122.9 °F) Erbao Township, Turpan, Xinjiang 10 July 2017
 Hong Kong 39.0 °C (102.2 °F) Wetland Park 22 August 2017
 Macau 39.0 °C (102.2 °F) Coloane 22 August 2017
 India 51.0 °C (123.8 °F) Phalodi, Rajasthan 19 May 2016
 Indonesia 40.6 °C (105.1 °F) Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan 16 August 1997
 Iran 54 °C (129 °F) Ahvaz Airport (OIAW) 29 June 2017
 Iraq 53.9 °C (129.0 °F) Basra 22 July 2016
 Israel (then  Mandatory Palestine) 54 °C (129 °F) Tirat Zvi 21 June 1942
 Japan 41.1 °C (106.0 °F) Kumagaya, Saitama
Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
23 July 2018
17 August 2020
 Jordan 50 °C (122 °F) Jordan University Agriculture Research Center 6 September 2002
 Kazakhstan 49.1 °C (120.4 °F) Turkistan ?
 Kuwait 53.9 °C (129.0 °F) Mitribah 21 July 2016
 Kyrgyzstan 44.0 °C (111.2 °F) ? ?
 Laos 42.3 °C (108.1 °F) Seno 12 April 2016
 Malaysia 40.1 °C (104.2 °F) Chuping 9 April 1998
 Maldives 34.9 °C (94.8 °F) Hanimaadhoo 16 April 2016
 Mongolia 44.0 °C (111.2 °F) Khongor, Darkhan-Uul Province 24 July 1999
 Myanmar 47.2 °C (117.0 °F) Myinmu 14 May 2010
 Nepal 46.4 °C (115.5 °F) Ataria 16 June 1995
 Oman 51.6 °C (124.9 °F) Joba 16 June 2021
 Pakistan 53.7 °C (128.7 °F) Mohenjo-Daro and Turbat 28 May 2017
26 May 2010
 Philippines (first recorded under the United States Insular Government) 42.2 °C (108.0 °F) Tuguegarao, Cagayan Valley 12 April 1912
11 May 1969
 Qatar 50.4 °C (122.7 °F) Doha 14 July 2010
 Russia (Siberia) 43.2 °C (109.8 °F) Chita, Zabaykalsky Krai 5 June 1898
 Saudi Arabia 52.0 °C (125.6 °F) Jeddah 22 June 2010
 Singapore 37.0 °C (98.6 °F) Tengah 17 April 1983
 South Korea 41.0 °C (105.8 °F) Hongcheon, Gangwon Province 1 August 2018
 Syria 49.4 °C (120.9 °F)  ?  ?
 Taiwan 40.2 °C (104.4 °F) Dawu, Taitung County
Taitung City
25 July 2020
9 May 2004
 Tajikistan 48.0 °C (118.4 °F) Panji Poyon ?
 Thailand 44.6 °C (112.3 °F) Mae Hong Son 28 April 2016
 Turkey 49.1 °C (120.4 °F) Cizre, Şırnak Province 20 July 2021
 Turkmenistan (then the  Turkmen SSR,  Soviet Union) 50.1 °C (122.2 °F) Repetek Biosphere State Reserve, Karakum Desert 28 July 1983
 United Arab Emirates 52.1 °C (125.8 °F) Al Jazeera Border Gate July 2002
 Vietnam 43.4 °C (110.1 °F) Huong Khe District, Ha Tinh Province 20 April 2019
Europe
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Armenia 43.7 °C (110.7 °F) Meghri
Yerevan
1 August 2011

12 July 2018

 Azerbaijan 46.0 °C (114.8 °F) Julfa and Ordubad ?
 Austria 40.5 °C (104.9 °F) Bad Deutsch-Altenburg 8 August 2013
 Belarus 38.9 °C (102.0 °F) Gomel 7 August 2010
 Belgium 41.8 °C (107.2 °F) Begijnendijk, Flemish Brabant 25 July 2019
 Bosnia and Herzegovina (then  Austria–Hungary-occupied Flag of Independent Bosnia (1878).svg Bosnia Vilayet,  Ottoman Empire) 46.2 °C (115.2 °F) Mostar 31 July 1901
 Bulgaria 45.2 °C (113.4 °F) Sadovo, Plovdiv Province 5 August 1916
 Croatia (then the  SR Croatia,  SFR Yugoslavia) 42.8 °C (109.0 °F) Ploče 5 August 1981
 Cyprus 46.2 °C (115.2 °F) Nicosia, Visitor Center Athalassa 4 September 2020
 Czech Republic 40.4 °C (104.7 °F) Dobřichovice, Prague-West District 20 August 2012
 Denmark 36.4 °C (97.5 °F) Holstebro, Midtjylland 10 August 1975
 Estonia 35.6 °C (96.1 °F) Võru 11 August 1992
 Finland 37.2 °C (99.0 °F) Joensuu Airport, Liperi 29 July 2010
 France 46.0 °C (114.8 °F) Vérargues, Hérault 28 June 2019
 Germany 41.2 °C (106.2 °F) Duisburg-Baerl, North Rhine-Westphalia and Tönisvorst, North Rhine-Westphalia 25 July 2019
 Greece 48.0 °C (118.4 °F) Athens 10 July 1977
 Hungary 41.9 °C (107.4 °F) Kiskunhalas 20 July 2007
 Iceland (then the Denmark Kingdom of Iceland) 30.5 °C (86.9 °F) Teigarhorn, Djúpivogur 22 June 1939
 Ireland (then part of the  United Kingdom) 33.3 °C (91.9 °F) Kilkenny Castle, County Kilkenny 26 June 1887
 Italy 47.0 °C (116.6 °F) Foggia, Apulia 25 June 2007
 Latvia 37.8 °C (100.0 °F) Ventspils 4 August 2014
 Lithuania 37.5 °C (99.5 °F) Zarasai, Utena County 30 July 1994
 Luxembourg 40.8 °C (105.4 °F) Steinsel, Luxembourg 25 July 2019
 Malta 43.8 °C (110.8 °F) Malta International Airport 9 August 1999
 Moldova 42.4 °C (108.3 °F) Fălești 7 August 2012
 Montenegro 44.8 °C (112.6 °F) Podgorica
Danilovgrad
16 August 2007
8 August 2012
 Netherlands 40.7 °C (105.3 °F) Gilze en Rijen 25 July 2019
 North Macedonia 45.7 °C (114.3 °F) Demir Kapija, Demir Kapija 24 July 2007
 Norway 35.6 °C (96.1 °F) Nesbyen, Viken 20 June 1970
 Poland 40.2 °C (104.4 °F) Prószków 29 July 1921
 Portugal 47.4 °C (117.3 °F) Amareleja, Beja 1 August 2003
 Romania 44.5 °C (112.1 °F) Ion Sion, Brăila County 10 August 1951
 Russia (in Europe) 45.4 °C (113.7 °F) Utta, Kalmykia 12 July 2010
 San Marino 40.3 °C (104.5 °F) Serravalle 3 August 2017
9 August 2017
 Serbia 44.9 °C (112.8 °F) Smederevska Palanka, Podunavlje 24 July 2007
 Slovakia 40.3 °C (104.5 °F) Hurbanovo 20 July 2007
 Slovenia 40.8 °C (105.4 °F) Cerklje ob Krki 8 August 2013
 Spain 47.4 °C (117.3 °F) Montoro, Cordoba (as Montoro Vega Armijo) 14 August 2021
 Sweden 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) Ultuna, Uppsala County
Målilla, Kalmar County
9 July 1933
29 June 1947
 Switzerland 41.5 °C (106.7 °F) Grono, Moesa District 11 August 2003
 Ukraine 42.0 °C (107.6 °F) Luhansk 12 August 2010
 United Kingdom 38.7 °C (101.7 °F) Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 25 July 2019
 Vatican City 40.7 °C (105.3 °F) Vatican City 2 August 2017
North America
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Anguilla 34.2 °C (93.6 °F) The Valley 12 September 2015
 Antigua and Barbuda 34.9 °C (94.8 °F) V. C. Bird International Airport, St. John's 12 August 1995
 British Virgin Islands 35.0 °C (95.0 °F) Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport 22 July 2016
 Canada 49.6 °C (121.3 °F) Lytton, British Columbia 29 June 2021
 Cayman Islands 34.9 °C (94.8 °F) Owen Roberts International Airport, Grand Cayman 21 August 2016
 Cuba 39.7 °C (103.5 °F) Veguitas (Granma Province) 12 April 2020
 Dominica 35.5 °C (95.9 °F) Canefield Airport 3 October 2015
 Dominican Republic 43.0 °C (109.4 °F) Mao 31 August 1954
 Greenland 30.1 °C (86.2 °F) Ivittuut 23 June 1915
 Guatemala 45.0 °C (113.0 °F) Estanzuela, Zacapa  ?
 Martinique 36.5 °C (97.7 °F) Saint-Pierre 6 October 2010
 Mexico 52.0 °C (125.6 °F) Mexicali area 28 July 1995
 Panama 40.0 °C (104.0 °F) San Francisco 20 March 1998
 Puerto Rico 40.0 °C (104.0 °F) Mona Island 2 July 1996
 United States 56.7 °C (134 °F) Furnace Creek, Death Valley, California 10 July 1913
 United States Virgin Islands 37.2 °C (99 °F) Saint Thomas
Cruz Bay
4 August 1994 and 23 June 1996
31 July 1988
Oceania
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Australia 50.7 °C (123.3 °F) Oodnadatta, South Australia
Onslow, Western Australia
2 January 1960
13 January 2022
 Marshall Islands 35.6 °C (96.1 °F) Utirik Atoll 24 August 2016
 New Zealand 42.4 °C (108.3 °F) Rangiora, Canterbury 7 February 1973
 Palau 35.0 °C (95.0 °F) Koror 22 March 2018
 Samoa 35.3 °C (95.5 °F) Asau 24 December 1968
 Solomon Islands 36.1 °C (97.0 °F) Honiara, Guadalcanal Province 1 February 2010
 Tonga 35.5 °C (95.9 °F) Niuafoou 1 February 2016
 Vanuatu 36.2 °C (97.2 °F) Lamap Malekula 8 February 2016
 Wallis and Futuna 35.8 °C (96.4 °F) Futuna Airport 10 January 2016
South America
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Argentina 48.9 °C (120.0 °F) Rivadavia, Salta Province 11 December 1905
 Bolivia 46.7 °C (116.1 °F) Villamontes, Tarija Department 29 October 2010
 Brazil 44.8 °C (112.6 °F) Nova Maringá, Mato Grosso 4 November 2020 and 5 November 2020
 Chile 44.9 °C (112.8 °F) Quillón, Biobio Region 26 January 2017
 Colombia 45.0 °C (113.0 °F) Puerto Salgar, Cundinamarca 29 December 2015
 French Guiana 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni 27 September 2016
 Paraguay 45.0 °C (113.0 °F) Pratts Gill, Boquerón Department 14 November 2009
 Peru 39.8 °C (103.6 °F) Chulucanas, Department of Piura

Lancones, Department of Piura

2013, 2016
 Uruguay 44.0 °C (111.2 °F) Paysandú, Paysandú Department

Florida, Florida Department

20 January 1943
14 January 2022
 Venezuela 43.6 °C (110.5 °F) Santa Ana de Coro, Falcón 29 April 2015

Other high-temperature records

  • Most consecutive days above 37.8 °C (100 °F): 160 days; Marble Bar, Western Australia from 31 October 1923 to 7 April 1924.
  • Most consecutive days above 48.9 °C (120 °F): 43 days; Death Valley, California from 6 July through 17 August 1917.
  • Highest natural ground surface temperature: 93.9 °C (201.0 °F), in Death Valley, California, 15 July 1972.
  • Highest temperature during rain: 48.3 °C (119.0 °F) in Imperial, California, 24 July 2018
  • Highest overnight low temperature: 44.2 °C (111.6 °F) at the Khasab weather station (WMO Index = 41241) in Oman on 17 June 2017.
  • Highest minimum temperature for a 24-hour period and for a calendar day: 42.6 °C (108.7 °F) at Qurayyat, Oman on 25 June 2018.
  • Highest average monthly temperature: 42.3 °C (108.1 °F), in Death Valley, California, for the month of July 2018.
  • Highest temperature north of the Arctic Circle: Under investigation (possibly 38 °C (100 °F) in Verkhoyansk, Russia on 20 June 2020).

Humidity

  • Highest dew point temperature: A dew point of 35 °C (95 °F) — while the temperature was 42 °C (108 °F) — was observed at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, at 3:00 p.m. on 8 July 2003.
  • Highest temperature with 100% of relative humidity: A temperature of 34 °C (93 °F) with 100% of relative humidity in Jask, Iran, on 21 July 2012.

Coldest

Lowest temperatures recorded

By continent
Africa
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Algeria −13.8 °C (7.2 °F) Mécheria 28 January 2005
 Burkina Faso 5.0 °C (41.0 °F) Markoye January 1975
 Botswana −15.0 °C (5.0 °F) Tsabong  ?
 Eswatini (Swaziland) −6.7 °C (19.9 °F) Big Bend  ?
 Gambia 4.0 °C (39.2 °F) Jenoi 2003
 Ghana 11.0 °C (51.8 °F) Kumasi, Tafo  ?
 Guinea 2.5 °C (36.5 °F) Bareing 2 January 1982
 Lesotho −21.0 °C (−5.8 °F)  ?
 Madagascar −1.0 °C (30.2 °F) Antsirabe, Vakinankaratra ?
 Morocco (then the French protectorate in Morocco) −23.9 °C (−11.0 °F) Ifrane 11 February 1935
 Niger −2.4 °C (27.7 °F) Bilma 13 January 1995
 Réunion −5.0 °C (23.0 °F) Gite de Bellecome 10 September 1975
 South Africa −20.1 °C (−4.2 °F) Buffelsfontein, near Molteno, Eastern Cape 23 August 2013
 Sudan −1.0 °C (30.2 °F) Zalingei December 1961
January 1962
Antarctica
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Antarctica −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F) Vostok Station 21 July 1983
South Pole −82.8 °C (−117.0 °F) Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station 23 June 1982
Asia
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Afghanistan −52.2 °C (−62.0 °F) Shahrak January 1964
 Armenia (then the  Armenian SSR,  Soviet Union) −42.0 °C (−43.6 °F) Paghakn and Ashocq 1961
 Azerbaijan −33.0 °C (−27.4 °F) Julfa and Ordubad ?
 Bangladesh (then the Bengal Presidency of British India) 1.1 °C (34.0 °F) Dinajpur 3 February 1905
 China −58.0 °C (−72.4 °F) Genhe, Inner Mongolia 31 December 2009
 Cambodia 7.0 °C (44.6 °F) Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri and Preah Vihear 29 January 2007
 Hong Kong −6.0 °C (21.2 °F) Tai Mo Shan 24 January 2016
 India −48.0 °C (−54.4 °F) Dras, Ladakh 9 January 1995
 Indonesia −9.0 °C (15.8 °F) Dieng Plateau 24 June 2019
 Iran −36.0 °C (−32.8 °F) Saqqez 1972
 Israel −14.2 °C (6.4 °F) Merom Golan 10 January 2015
 Japan −41.0 °C (−41.8 °F) Asahikawa, Hokkaidō 25 January 1902
 Jordan −16.0 °C (3.2 °F) Shoubak 15 December 2013
 Kazakhstan −57.0 °C (−70.6 °F) Atbasar ?
 Kuwait −4.8 °C (23.4 °F) Salmy 3 January 2009
 Kyrgyzstan −53.6 °C (−64.5 °F) Fergana Valley ?
 Malaysia 7.8 °C (46.0 °F) Cameron Highlands 1 February 1978
 Maldives 17.2 °C (63.0 °F) Hulhulé Island, located at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport 11 April 1978
 Mongolia −55.3 °C (−67.5 °F) Züüngovi, Uvs Province 31 December 1976
 Myanmar −6.0 °C (21.2 °F) Hakha 30 December 1990
 Nepal −45 °C (−49 °F) Sagarmatha  ?
 North Korea (then Japanese Korea) −43.6 °C (−46.5 °F) Chunggangjin 12 January 1933
 Pakistan −24 °C (−11 °F) Skardu 7 January 1995
 Philippines 6.3 °C (43.3 °F) Baguio 18 January 1961
 Qatar 1.5 °C (34.7 °F) Abu Samra 5 February 2017
 Russia (Siberia) (first in the  Russian Empire, then in the  Russian SFSR,  Soviet Union) −67.8 °C (−90.0 °F) Verkhoyansk and
Oymyakon, both in Sakha Republic
7 February 1892
6 February 1933
 Saudi Arabia −12.0 °C (10.4 °F) Turaif  ?
 Singapore 19.0 °C (66.2 °F) Paya Lebar 14 February 1989
 South Korea −32.6 °C (−26.7 °F) Yangpyeong 5 January 1981
 Syria −23.0 °C (−9.4 °F) Idlib January 1951
 Taiwan −18.4 °C (−1.1 °F) Yushan 31 January 1970
 Thailand −1.4 °C (29.5 °F) Sakon Nakhon 2 January 1974
 Turkey −46.4 °C (−51.5 °F) Çaldıran, Van Province 9 January 1990
 Turkmenistan −36.0 °C (−32.8 °F) Daşoguz Region  ?
 United Arab Emirates −5.4 °C (22.3 °F) Jebel Jais 3 February 2017
 Vietnam (then DR Vietnam) −6.1 °C (21.0 °F) Sa Pa 4 January 1974
Europe
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Albania −25.8 °C (−14.4 °F)  ?  ?
 Austria −52.6 °C (−62.7 °F) Grünloch doline 19 February 1932
 Belarus (then the  Byelorussian SSR,  Soviet Union) −42.2 °C (−44.0 °F) Slavnom, Vitsebsk Voblast 17 January 1940
 Belgium −30.1 °C (−22.2 °F) Valley of the Lesse in Rochefort 20 January 1940
 Bosnia and Herzegovina (then the  SR Bosnia and Herzegovina,  SFR Yugoslavia) −42.5 °C (−44.5 °F) Igman in Sarajevo Canton 24 January 1963
 Bulgaria −38.3 °C (−36.9 °F) Tran 25 January 1947
 Croatia −34.6 °C (−30.3 °F) Gračac 13 January 2003
 Cyprus −12.8 °C (9.0 °F) Trikoukia, Prodromos 30 January 1964
 Czech Republic (then part of  Czechoslovakia) −42.2 °C (−44.0 °F) Litvínovice 11 February 1929
 Denmark −31.2 °C (−24.2 °F) Thisted Municipality, North Denmark Region 8 January 1982
 Estonia −43.5 °C (−46.3 °F) Jõgeva, Jõgeva County 17 January 1940
 Finland −51.5 °C (−60.7 °F) Pokka, Kittilä, Lapland 28 January 1999
 France −41.0 °C (−41.8 °F) Mouthe, Doubs 17 January 1985
 Germany −45.9 °C (−50.6 °F) Funtensee, Berchtesgadener Land, Bavaria 24 December 2001
 Greece −27.8 °C (−18.0 °F) Ptolemaida 27 January 1963
 Hungary −35.0 °C (−31.0 °F) Görömbölytapolca 16 February 1940
 Iceland (then Danish Iceland) −37.9 °C (−36.2 °F) Grímsstaðir 21 January 1918
 Ireland (then part of the  United Kingdom) −19.1 °C (−2.4 °F) Markree Castle, County Sligo 16 January 1881
 Italy −49.6 °C (−57.3 °F) Busa Fradusta, Pale di San Martino 10 February 2013
 Latvia −43.2 °C (−45.8 °F) Daugavpils 8 February 1956
 Lithuania −42.9 °C (−45.2 °F) Utena, Utena County 1 February 1956
 Malta 1.4 °C (34.5 °F) Malta International Airport 29 January 1981
 Moldova −35.5 °C (−31.9 °F) Brătușeni, Edineț District 20 January 1963
 Montenegro −33.4 °C (−28.1 °F) Kosanica, Montenegro 25 January 2022
 Netherlands (then Nazi-occupied Netherlands) −27.4 °C (−17.3 °F) Winterswijk 27 January 1942
 North Macedonia (then the  SR Macedonia,  SFR Yugoslavia) −31.5 °C (−24.7 °F) Berovo, Berovo Municipality 27 January 1954
 Norway (then part of  Sweden–Norway) −51.4 °C (−60.5 °F) Karasjok, Finnmark 1 January 1886
 Poland (then Soviet-occupied Poland) −41.0 °C (−41.8 °F) Siedlce, Masovian Voivodeship 11 January 1940
 Portugal −16.0 °C (3.2 °F) Penhas da Saúde, Covilhã Municipality
Miranda do Douro
16 January 1945 and 5 February 1954
 Romania −38.5 °C (−37.3 °F) Bod, Brașov County 25 January 1942
European Russia (then the  Russian SFSR,  Soviet Union) −58.1 °C (−72.6 °F) Ust' Shchugor, Komi Republic 31 December 1978
 Serbia −39.8 °C (−39.6 °F) Karajukica Bunari, Zlatibor District 26 January 2006
 Slovakia (then  Czechoslovakia) −41.0 °C (−41.8 °F) Vígľaš-Pstruša 11 February 1929
 Slovenia (then  SR Slovenia,  SFR Yugoslavia) −34.5 °C (−30.1 °F) Babno Polje 15 February 1956
16 February 1956
13 January 1968
 Spain −32 °C (−26 °F) Estany Gento (Province of Lleida) 2 February 1956
 Sweden −52.6 °C (−62.7 °F) Vuoggatjålme, Lappland 2 February 1966
 Switzerland −41.8 °C (−43.2 °F) La Brévine 12 January 1987
 Ukraine (then the  Ukrainian Socialist Soviet Republic,  Soviet Union) −41.9 °C (−43.4 °F) Luhansk 8 January 1935
 United Kingdom −27.2 °C (−17.0 °F) Braemar, Aberdeenshire
Altnaharra, Sutherland
11 February 1895
10 January 1982
30 December 1995
North America
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Antigua and Barbuda 16.1 °C (61.0 °F) V. C. Bird International Airport, Antigua 31 December 1974 and 28 January 1976
 Canada −63.0 °C (−81.4 °F) Snag, Yukon 3 February 1947
 Cayman Islands 11.1 °C (52.0 °F) Owen Roberts International Airport, Grand Cayman  ?
 Cuba 0.6 °C (33.1 °F) Bainoa, Mayabeque Province 18 February 1996
 Dominican Republic −7.0 °C (19.4 °F) Valle Nuevo, La Vega Province 17 January 1983
 Greenland −69.6 °C (−93.3 °F) Klinck Automated Weather Station, Greenland Ice Sheet 22 December 1991
 Guatemala −11.5 °C (11.3 °F) Olintepeque, Quetzaltenango Department  ?
 Martinique 14.1 °C (57.4 °F) Le Lamentin 25 December 1964
 Mexico −25.1 °C (−13.2 °F) Madero, Chihuahua 27 December 1997
 Panama 2.0 °C (35.6 °F) Bajo Grande, Chiriquí Province 20 February 1995
 Puerto Rico 4.4 °C (40 °F) Aibonito
San Sebastian
9 March 1911
24 January 1966
 US Virgin Islands 10.6 °C (51 °F) Anna's Hope, Saint Croix 31 January 1954
 United States
( Alaska)
−62.2 °C (−80 °F) Prospect Creek, Alaska 23 January 1971
 United States
(contiguous)
−56.7 °C (−70 °F) Rogers Pass, Montana 20 January 1954
South America
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Argentina −32.8 °C (−27.0 °F) Sarmiento, Chubut Province 1 June 1907
 Brazil −14.0 °C (6.8 °F) Caçador, Santa Catarina 11 June 1952
 Colombia −11.0 °C (12.2 °F) Páramo de Berlín, Tona, Santander 11 December 1974
 Curaçao 18.9 °C (66.0 °F) Willemstad 12 December 2017
 French Guiana 16.9 °C (62.4 °F) Maripasoula 23 January 1964
 Paraguay −7.5 °C (18.5 °F) Pratts Gill, Boquerón Department 13 July 2000
 Peru −25.2 °C (−13.4 °F) Mazo Cruz, Puno Region 30 June 1966
 Uruguay −11.0 °C (12.2 °F) Melo, Cerro Largo Department 14 June 1967
Oceania
Country/Region Temperature Town/Location Date
 Australia −23.0 °C (−9.4 °F) Charlotte Pass, New South Wales 29 June 1994
 United States
( Hawaii)
−11.1 °C (12.0 °F) Mauna Kea, Hawaii 17 May 1979
 New Zealand −25.6 °C (−14.1 °F) Ranfurly, Central Otago 18 July 1903
 Samoa 11.1 °C (52.0 °F) Afiamalu 29 September 1971
 Solomon Islands 17.0 °C (62.6 °F) Rennell
Tingoa
Early June 2016
30 June 2016

Other low-temperature records

  • Coldest summer (month of July in the Northern Hemisphere): −33 °C (−27.4 °F); Summit Camp, Greenland on 4 July 2017.
  • Lowest temperature in the Northern Hemisphere: −69.6 °C (−93.3 °F); Greenland Ice Sheet, Greenland on 22 December 1991.

Record extreme temperature differences

  • Greatest 2-minute temperature increase: 27 °C (49 °F), from −20 °C (−4 °F) to 7 °C (45 °F); Spearfish, South Dakota, on 22 January 1943.
  • Greatest 24-hour temperature increase: +57 °C (+102.6 °F), from −48 °C (−54 °F) to 9 °C (48 °F); Loma, Montana, on 15 January 1972.
  • Fastest temperature drop: 27.2 °C (49 °F) in 5 minutes; Rapid City, South Dakota, 10 January 1911.
  • Largest temperature range ever in 1 area: 105.8 °C (190.4 °F), from −67.8 °C (−90.0 °F) on 15 January 1885, 5,7 February 1892 to 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) on 20 June 2020; Verhoyansk, Sakha Republic, Russia

Precipitation

Rain

  • Most in 60 seconds (1 minute): 38 mm (1.5 in). Barot, Sainte-Anne, Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe, France 11:03–11:04 am on 26 November 1970.
  • Most in 180 seconds (3 minutes): 62 mm (2.4 in). Portobelo, Colón, Panama, 29 November 1911
  • Most in 300 seconds (5 minutes): 106 mm (4.2 in). Oklahoma, United States, 29 November 1911
  • Most in 60 minutes (1 hour): 305 mm (12.0 in). Holt, Missouri, United States, 22 June 1947.
  • Most in 12 hours (½-day): 1,144 mm (45.0 in); Cilaos, Réunion, 8 January 1966, during Tropical Cyclone Denise.
  • Most in 24 hours (1 day): 1,825 mm (71.9 in); Cilaos, Réunion, 7–8 January 1966, during Tropical Cyclone Denise.
  • Most in 48 hours (2 days): 2,493 mm (98.1 in); Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India, 15–16 June 1995.
  • Most in 72 hours (3 days): 3,929 mm (154.7 in); Commerson, Réunion, 24–26 February 2007, during Cyclone Gamede.
  • Most in 96 hours (4 days): 4,869 mm (191.7 in); Commerson, Réunion, 24–27 February 2007, during Cyclone Gamede.
  • Most in one year: 26,470 mm (1,042 in); Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India, 1860–1861.
  • Most from a single tropical storm: 6,433 mm (253.3 in); Commerson, Réunion, during Cyclone Hyacinthe in January 1980.
  • Highest average annual total (observed over 10 years): 11,872 mm (467.4 in) (over 38 years) and 12,701 mm (500.0 in) (1998–2010); Mawsynram, Meghalaya, India or 13,466 mm (530.2 in) (1980–2011); López de Micay, Cauca, Colombia.
  • Most consecutive days with measurable rain a day with at least 0.01 inches (0.25 mm) of rainfall: 331 days in Oahu, Hawaii, 1939-1940

Snow

  • Most in a 24-hour period: 230 centimetres (90.6 in) of snow on Mount Ibuki, Japan on 14 February 1927.
  • Most in one calendar month: 9.91 meters (390 inches) of snow fell in Tamarack, California in January 1911, leading to a snow depth in March of 11.46 meters (451 inches) (greatest measured in North America).
  • Most in one season (1 July – 30 June): 29.0 meters, (95 ft); Mount Baker, Washington, United States, 1998 through 1999.
  • Most in one-year period: 31.5 meters (102 ft); Mount Rainier, Washington, United States, 19 February 1971 to 18 February 1972.
  • Deepest snowfall recorded: 11.82 meters (38.8 ft) on Mount Ibuki, Japan on 14 February 1927.
  • Lowest latitude that snow has been recorded at sea level in North America: Snow fell as far south as the city of Tampico, Mexico in February 1895 during the Great Freeze.

Wind speeds

  • Fastest ever recorded: 484±32 km/h (301±20 mph) (3-second gust); observed by a DOW (Doppler On Wheels) radar unit in the 1999 Bridge Creek – Moore tornado between Oklahoma City and Moore, Oklahoma, USA, 3 May 1999.
  • Fastest non-tornadic winds: 408 km/h (254 mph) (3-second gust); recorded by anemometer in Severe Tropical Cyclone Olivia passing over Barrow Island, Western Australia, 10 April 1996.
  • Fastest non-cyclonic winds: 372 km/h (231 mph) (1-minute average); recorded by anemometer on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, USA, 12 April 1934.
  • Fastest daily average: 174 km/h (108 mph); Port Martin (Adélie Land), Antarctica, 24-hour period from 21 March 1951 to 22 March 1951.

Tornadoes

Tri-State Tornado
The Tri-State Tornado holds many records, including the longest known tornado track, fastest speed for a significant tornado, and the deadliest tornado outside of Bangladesh.

Deadliest in history

Outbreaks

  • Largest and most severe: The 2011 Super Outbreak: 207 confirmed tornadoes occurred in a span of 24 hours, with a total of 337 occurring throughout the duration of the outbreak. They affected six US states, and included 11 rated EF4 and 4 rated EF5.

Tropical cyclones

Most intense (by minimum surface air pressure)

  • Most intense ever recorded: 870 hPa (25.69 inHg); eye of Super Typhoon Tip over the northwest Pacific Ocean, 12 October 1979.
  • Most intense in the Western Hemisphere: 872 hPa (25.75 inHg); eye of Hurricane Patricia over the eastern Pacific Ocean, 23 October 2015.
  • Most intense ever recorded on land: 892 hPa (26.35 inHg); Craig Key, Florida, United States, eye of the Labor Day Hurricane, 2 September 1935. While other landfalling tropical cyclones potentially had lower pressures, data is vague from areas other than the Atlantic basin, especially before the invention of weather satellites.
  • Most intense landfall (estimated): 884 hPa (26.10 inHg); Rakiraki District, Viti Levu, Fiji, during Cyclone Winston, 20 February 2016. Although no official land pressure readings were recorded at the landfall site, it is estimated the Winston made landfall with the aforementioned pressure.

Most precipitation

  • Most precipitation from a single tropical storm: 6,433 mm (253.3 in); Commerson, Réunion, during Cyclone Hyacinthe in January 1980.

Other severe weather

Hailstone
A picture of the Aurora, Nebraska hailstone, measured at 47.6 cm (18.75 in) in circumference

Hail

  • Heaviest officially recorded: 1.02 kg (2.25 lb); Gopalganj District, Bangladesh, 14 April 1986.
  • Largest diameter officially measured: 20 cm (8.0 in) diameter, 47.3 cm (18.625 in) circumference; Vivian, South Dakota, 23 July 2010.
  • Largest circumference officially measured: 47.6 cm (18.75 in) circumference, 17.8 cm (7.0 in) diameter; Aurora, Nebraska, 22 June 2003.

Lightning

  • Longest lightning bolt: 768 km (477 mi) on 29 April 2020 in the southern United States.
  • Longest duration for a single lightning flash: 17.1 seconds on 18 June 2020 in Uruguay and northern Argentina.

Ultraviolet index

  • Highest ultraviolet index measured: On 29 December 2003, a UV index of 43.3 was detected at Chile/Bolivia's Licancabur volcano, at 19,423 feet (5,920 m) altitude. A light-skinned individual in such conditions may experience moderate sunburn in as little as 4 minutes.

Other categories

  • Highest air pressure ever recorded [above 750 meters (2,461 feet)]: 1,084.8 hPa (32.03 inHg); Tosontsengel, Zavkhan, 19 December 2001. This is the equivalent sea-level pressure; Tosontsengel is located at 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) above sea level. The highest adjusted-to-sea-level barometric pressure ever recorded (below 750 meters) was at Agata, Evenhiyskiy, Russia (66°53'N, 93°28'E, elevation: 261 m (856.3 ft)) on 31 December 1968 of 1,083.3 hectopascals (hPa) (31.99 inHg). The discrimination is due to the problematic assumptions (assuming a standard lapse rate) associated with reduction of sea level from high elevations.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Anexo:Récords meteorológicos mundiales para niños

kids search engine
List of weather records Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.