9 Extreme Weather Records That Will Leave You in Awe
Weather is one of the most unpredictable forces on the planet. It can be calm one moment and deadly the next. Over the years, we have witnessed some of the most extreme weather conditions that have left us in awe. From record-breaking temperatures to the deadliest storms, here are nine extreme weather records that will leave you in awe.
1. Hottest temperature ever recorded
In 1913, Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley, California, recorded a temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the hottest temperature ever recorded on the planet. The high temperature was due to a combination of factors, including the location of Death Valley in a desert basin, the lack of vegetation, and the extreme dryness of the air.
2. Coldest temperature ever recorded
On July 21, 1983, the Soviet Union's Vostok Station in Antarctica recorded a temperature of minus 128.6 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth. The temperature was recorded during the Antarctic winter, where the sun doesn't rise for several months, and the temperature can drop to extreme levels.
3. Most rainfall in a single day
In 1952, the town of Cilaos on the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean received 73.62 inches of rain in a single day, setting the world record for the most rainfall in a single day. The rainfall was due to a severe tropical storm that hit the island, causing flash floods and landslides.
4. Strongest tornado ever recorded
On May 3, 1999, a tornado with winds of up to 318 miles per hour hit Oklahoma City, making it the strongest tornado ever recorded. The tornado was part of a larger outbreak of tornadoes that hit the Midwest and Southern United States, causing widespread damage and loss of life.
5. Largest hailstone ever recorded
On July 23, 2010, a hailstone with a diameter of 8 inches and a circumference of 18.62 inches fell in Vivian, South Dakota, making it the largest hailstone ever recorded. The hailstone weighed almost 2 pounds and caused significant damage to homes and cars in the area.
6. Deadliest heat wave
In 2003, a heatwave hit Europe, causing the deaths of an estimated 70,000 people, making it the deadliest heatwave in history. The heatwave was caused by a high-pressure system that sat over Europe for several weeks, causing temperatures to soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Most active hurricane season
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active hurricane season on record, with 30 named storms, 13 hurricanes, and six major hurricanes. The hurricane season was so active that the National Hurricane Center ran out of names and had to resort to using Greek letters for the first time in history.
8. Longest lightning bolt
On October 31, 2018, a lightning bolt that stretched for over 440 miles was recorded over Brazil, making it the longest lightning bolt ever recorded. The lightning bolt was so long that it would have stretched from New York City to Boston.
9. Most expensive natural disaster
The 2011 earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan was the most expensive natural disaster in history, causing an estimated $235 billion in damages. The disaster killed over 15,000 people and caused a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
Conclusion
Extreme weather conditions are becoming more common as the planet's climate continues to change. These nine extreme weather records are just a small sample of the incredible forces of nature that we have witnessed over the years. It's important to remember that while these weather events can leave us in awe, they can also be deadly and destructive. We must do our part to reduce our impact on the planet and prepare for the unpredictable forces of nature.