extremetemperature

Extreme temperature refers to temperatures that lie at the upper or lower end of a region's typical range. It can describe ambient air temperature in the atmosphere, surface temperatures, or the temperature of bodies of water or soil. Extreme temperatures are shaped by latitude, altitude, proximity to oceans or deserts, and atmospheric conditions such as air masses and humidity. They are observed in weather and climate records and are of interest for health, agriculture, and engineering.

Measurement is typically in Celsius and Fahrenheit, with Kelvin used in scientific contexts. Air temperature is measured with standardized instruments shielded from direct sunlight. Maximum and minimum daily temperatures are reported in weather summaries; long-term extremes are compiled by meteorological agencies.

On Earth, the highest reliably recorded air temperature is 56.7 °C (134 °F) at Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley, California, on July 10, 1913; some sources have questioned this value. The lowest recorded air temperature is −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F) at Vostok Station, Antarctica, on July 21, 1983. Wet-bulb temperatures approach 35 °C (95 °F) under high humidity, beyond which human survivability decreases rapidly.

Extreme temperatures have health risks: heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and heat exhaustion in hot conditions, and frostbite and hypothermia in cold conditions. They affect crop yields, wildlife behavior, and infrastructure, influencing energy demand, freezing of pipes, and material fatigue. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heat waves in many regions.

Mitigation and adaptation include early warning systems, cooling and heating efficiency, urban planning to reduce heat islands, reflective surfaces, and resilient infrastructure. Ongoing research monitors global and regional temperature extremes to improve forecasting and inform public policy.