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.