Updated Sep 1, 2022 - Energy & Climate

Death Valley expected to break September record

Herb Scribner

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.

The National Weather Service has issued an "excessive heat warning" until Sept. 6.

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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Death Valley expected to break September record

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