When we think of deserts, we often conjure up images of scorching sand dunes and endless stretches of barren land under the blazing sun. These arid landscapes, though harsh and unforgiving, hold some of the highest temperatures on our planet. Let’s take a closer look at the five hottest deserts that stand out for their extreme heat:
1. The Lut Desert
Located in eastern Iran, the Lut Desert, also known as Dasht-e Lut, sprawls across an immense area of approximately 20,000 square miles (51,800 square kilometers). This desert boasts the reputation of being one of the hottest spots on Earth. In 2005, temperatures soared to an astonishing 159.3 degrees Fahrenheit (70.7 degrees Celsius), as confirmed by NASA satellite data.
2. The Sahara Desert
Stretching across Northern Africa, the Sahara Desert holds the title of being the largest hot desert globally, covering an expansive 3,600,000 square miles (9,200,000 square kilometers). With average high temperatures ranging from 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (38 to 40 degrees Celsius) during the peak of summer, the Sahara is renowned for its scorching climate.
3. The Flaming Mountains
Nestled on the northern edge of China’s Taklamakan Desert, the Flaming Mountains present a striking sight with their fiery-red sandstone hills. These mountains truly live up to their name, with temperatures soaring to extreme levels. In 2008, NASA satellite data recorded a peak temperature of 152 degrees Fahrenheit (66.8 degrees Celsius) in this region.
4. The Mojave Desert
Situated in Southern California, the Mojave Desert is home to Death Valley, where the highest verified temperature ever recorded on land was documented in August 2020: a sweltering 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The Mojave’s unique geography, including its below-sea-level basin, contributes to its record-breaking temperatures.
5. The Atacama Desert
Stretching across Chile and Peru, the Atacama Desert is renowned for its extreme aridity. While daytime temperatures soar to around 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) during the hot season, what sets the Atacama apart is its remarkable dryness.
With an average annual rainfall of just half an inch (1.5 centimeters), and some years experiencing no rainfall at all, the Atacama stands as one of the driest places on Earth.
These five deserts serve as a testament to nature’s ability to create environments of intense heat and aridity. While they pose challenges to life forms, they also captivate our imagination with their awe-inspiring landscapes.