Updated Sep 1, 2022 - Energy & Environment

Death Valley expected to break September record

 The World's Tallest Thermometer.

A photo of the World's Tallest Thermometer in Baker, Calif. Photo: Patrick T. Fallon//AFP via Getty Images

Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth, may tie or break its all-time record for September this upcoming weekend — and possibly the planet's.

The latest: The temperature on Thursday hit 124 degrees Fahrenheit at Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park — just 0.6°F lower than the record for September at the station set on Sept. 5, 2020, per the National Weather Service.

The big picture: The location's record for September is 125°F, while it's 126°F for the planet, per the Washington Post.

  • NWS models are showing a range of 123°-126°F from Friday through Monday.

Of note: Death Valley holds the world record for hottest temperature ever at 134°F, which was measured back in July 1913.

Driving the news: A heat dome with high atmospheric pressure has been lingering over the Southwest, raising temperatures above normal, Axios' Andrew Freedman writes.

Threat level: The hot temperatures could last for several days, sizzling states such as Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Montana and Utah, Freedman notes.

Context: Studies show climate change is worsening extreme weather events and causing heat waves to become more frequent and longer-lasting.

Go deeper: An "Extreme Heat Belt" will soon emerge in the U.S., study warns

Editor's note: This article has been updated with Thursday's temperature.

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