[jacobajit]

There is in fact significant doubt among climatologists as to the veracity of this record.

While the 1913 hot spell was certainly significant, all recorded weather information at the time from surrounding locations, in combination with the dynamics of local microclimates, imply that the 134 degree reading was "essentially not possible from a meteorological perspective." [1]

Observer error stands to be the most plausible explanation, implying that the the recent 130 degree reading in Death Valley may actually become the location's, and the world's, hottest verified temperature.[2]

[1] https://www.wunderground.com/blog/weatherhistorian/an-invest... [2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/07/09/death-vall...

[austincheney]

As far as I know that number, 134F, is not considered accurate. The trusted number is just over 129F (129.2F) where Death Valley and Kuwait City are recently tied. This is only the hottest place where people live though.

The actual hottest place is the Danakil Depression of Ethiopia. The air is toxic around the hot springs due to high sulfur content and so almost nothing lives there except pools of exotic bacteria.