DEATH VALLEY—THE HOTTEST KNOWN REGION

Abstract

SYNOPSIS Ten years of record obtained at the United States Weather Bureau's substation at Greenland Ranch, in Death Valley. Calif., indicate that this is the hottest region in the United State, and so far as extreme maximum temperatures are concerned, the hottest known region on earth. The temperature of 134° F. recorded on July 10, 1913 is believed by meteorologists to be the highest natural air temperature ever recorded with a tested standard thermometer exposed in the shade under approved conditions. High temperatures are common throughout the year, but the highest occur during midsummer. Precipitation is extremely light the normal annual precipitation being less than 2 inches. Evaporation is excessive, as the relative humidity is extremely low most of the time, and especially during the hot spells of summer. White people find the midsummer heat most trying; even the Indians go up to the Panamint Range during July and August. The weather station maintained at Greenland Ranch in cooperation with the Pacific Coast Borax Co is unique in many ways.