Weather can be unpredictable, but sometimes it defies all expectations. From mind-blowing temperatures to record-breaking storms, nature has set some truly shocking records that seem almost impossible.
These 15 extreme weather records prove that Earth is full of surprises and sometimes, a little terrifying power.
1. Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded: 134°F (56.7°C)
On July 10, 1913, Furnace Creek in Death Valley, California, reached 134°F (56.7°C) the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth. While some experts question the accuracy of that reading, Death Valley still regularly sees temperatures over 130°F in summer. It remains one of the hottest places on the planet.
2. Coldest Temperature Ever Recorded: -128.6°F (-89.2°C)
On July 21, 1983, Vostok Station in Antarctica recorded the coldest temperature ever-128.6 °F(- 89.2 °C). At that exceptional, revealed skin can set right absent, and without a mistrustfulness breathing the talk about can harm your lungs. Vostok remains one of the most unwelcoming places on Soil.
3. Most Rainfall in One Minute: 1.5 Inches (38 mm)
On July 4, 1956, Unionville, Maryland, saw 1.5 inches (38 mm) of rainfall in just 60 seconds a U.S. record. The intense downpour came from a sudden thunderstorm, showing how even one minute can make weather history.
4. Longest-Lasting Lightning Bolt: 17.1 Seconds
On June 18, 2020, a lightning bolt over Uruguay and northern Argentina lasted an astonishing 17.1 seconds, setting a world record for the longest-lasting lightning strike. Most lightning flashes last just a fraction of a second, making this event truly extraordinary.
5. Longest Distance Traveled by a Tornado: 219 Miles (352 km)
On March 18, 1925, the Tri-State Tornado tore across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, traveling 219 miles (352 km). It remains the deadliest tornado in U.S. history, lasting over three hours and killing nearly 700 people. The storm left a trail of devastation in its path.
6. Strongest Wind Speed Ever Recorded: 253 mph (407 km/h)
On April 10, 1996, during Tropical Cyclone Olivia, Barrow Island in Australia recorded a wind gust of 253 mph (407 km/h) the highest wind speed ever measured. This shattered the previous record of 231 mph (372 km/h) set at Mount Washington, New Hampshire, in 1934.
7. Largest Hailstone Ever: 8 Inches (20 cm) in Diameter
On July 23, 2010, the largest hailstone ever recorded fell in Vivian, South Dakota, measuring 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter about the size of a volleyball. Weighing nearly 2 pounds (0.88 kg), it would have been deadly if it hit someone directly.
8. Most Snowfall in 24 Hours: 75.8 Inches (192 cm)
Silver Lake, Colorado, holds the record for the most snow in 24 hours, with 75.8 inches (192 cm) falling on April 14-15, 1921. That’s more than six feet of snow in just one day!
9. Heaviest Rainfall in One Year: 1,042 Inches (26,471 mm)
Between Admirable 1860 and July 1861, Cherrapunji, India, entered a surprising 1,042 height( 26,471 mm) of rain about 87 bases of water in fair one time. This makes Cherrapunji one of the wettest places on Soil.
10. Deadliest Hurricane Ever: The Great Bhola Cyclone (1970)
On November 13, 1970, the Bhola Cyclone hit Bangladesh (then East Pakistan), killing up to 500,000 people. The storm’s devastating surge flooded coastal villages, making it the deadliest tropical cyclone in history.
11. Largest Recorded Snowflake: 15 Inches (38 cm) Wide
On January 28, 1887, Post Keogh, Montana, recorded the biggest snowflake ever reported, measuring 15 inches wide. Witnesses portrayed it as “larger than a drain pan.”
12. Most Consecutive Days Above 100°F: 160 Days
Between June 23 and November 29, 2023, Sanbao, China, persevered 160 successive days of temperatures over 100°F (37.8°C). This uncommon heatwave smashed records and highlighted developing concerns about rising worldwide temperatures.
13. Fastest Temperature Drop: 49°F (27°C) in 2 Minutes
On January 22, 1943, Spearfish, South Dakota, experienced the most quick temperature swing ever recorded, dropping from 54°F (12°C) to 5°F (-15°C) in fair two minutes. This emotional move in temperature remains unmatched in history.
Read More: 15 Smartest Ways to Prepare for a Hurricane Before It Hits
14. Longest Drought: 173 Years Without Rain
The Atacama Forsake in Chile is the driest put-on Soil, with a few zones going 173 a long time without a single drop of rain between 1570 and 1740. Indeed nowadays, certain locales get less than 0.04 inches (1 mm) of rain yearly.
Read More: Never Do These 10 Things During a Thunderstorm
15. Highest-Elevation Lightning Strike: 32,778 Feet (9,992 m) Above Sea Level
In 2019, a lightning bolt was detected at 32,778 feet (9,992 m) above sea level near the summit of Ojos del Salado, a massive volcano in Chile. This unusual event shows that lightning can strike in the highest and most unexpected places.
Final Thoughts
Weather records can be stunning, terrifying, and even unbelievable. As climate change influences global weather patterns, we may continue to see even more extreme records in the future.
Which of these weather records shocked you the most?
Read More: Top 10 Weather Phenomena That Science Still Doesn’t Fully Understand
