Listing the "20 hottest places on Earth" precisely is challenging because temperature records fluctuate, and defining "hottest" can depend on factors like average temperature, extreme temperature, or duration of high temperatures. Also, comprehensive data for every location worldwide isn't consistently available. However, based on available records and frequently cited examples of scorching locales, here's a list incorporating places known for extreme heat:
It's important to note that the order can vary depending on the specific criteria used for ranking. This list focuses on places known for extreme high temperatures rather than average temperatures.
- Mitribah, Kuwait: Recorded one of the highest temperatures on Earth at 54.0 °C (129.2 °F).
- Turbat, Pakistan: Also known for recording extremely high temperatures.
- ʽAziziya, Libya: Formerly held the world record for highest recorded temperature at 58.0 °C (136.4 °F), though this is now disputed.
- Death Valley, California, USA: Holds the current official record for the highest recorded air temperature at 56.7 °C (134 °F).
- Wadi Halfa, Sudan: Experiences consistently high temperatures.
- Dasht-e Loot, Iran: The hottest land surface temperature has been recorded here. While not air temperature, the ground is incredibly hot.
- Flaming Mountains, China: Known for extreme summer heat.
- Oodnadatta, Australia: Famous for its high temperatures.
- Tirat Zvi, Israel: Recorded a high temperature in the past.
- Kebili, Tunisia: Frequently cited for its extreme heat.
- Ghadames, Libya: Located in the Sahara and experiences very high temperatures.
- Al-Qurnah, Iraq: Known for extreme heat.
- Bandar-e Mahshahr, Iran: High humidity combined with high temperatures makes it feel extremely hot.
- Mecca, Saudi Arabia: Consistently hot due to its desert location.
- Dallol, Ethiopia: Holds the record for the highest average annual temperature for an inhabited location.
- Bangkok, Thailand: While not a desert climate, its high humidity and heat make it feel intensely hot.
- Singapore: Similar to Bangkok, high humidity amplifies the impact of high temperatures.
- Jizan, Saudi Arabia: Consistently very hot.
- Jacobabad, Pakistan: Known for extreme heat waves.
- Phoenix, Arizona, USA: Experiences extended periods of very high temperatures.
The Sahara Desert and the Sonoran Desert are mentioned in the prompt and are undeniably hot regions. However, this list focuses on specific locations within those areas or other comparably hot places. It's important to remember that temperatures can vary greatly within a region, and this list represents some of the most extreme locations.
