Weather can be very different around our planet. Some places are seeing deadly heat. Others are struggling with extreme cold, strong winds or heavy rains. These extreme weather patterns illustrate how geography can create some of the weirdest places on Earth.
1. USA – Death Valley
Death Valley, California, is known for its incredible heat. The highest temperature ever recorded in the world was 56.7°C (134.1°F) in 1913, but the reliability of this historic reading is disputed. One of the hottest spots on earth.
2. Antarctica, Vostok Station
Antarctica is the opposite extreme.” The lowest temperature ever officially recorded in the air on Earth was at Vostok Station in 1983, -89.2°C. It is very cold because of the high altitude and the polar location.
3. Mawsynram, India
Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives a huge amount of rain every year. Average annual rainfall according to WMO records is about 11.87 meters. This lifts the moist air upwards and causes heavy rain.
4. Quillagua, Chile
Quillagua is situated in Chile’s Atacama Desert. From 1964 to 2001, its meteorological station recorded an average of just half a millimeter of rain a year. And that makes it one of the driest places on Earth.
5. Mount Washington, United States
Washington, New Hampshire, is known for its high winds. In 1934, a surface wind speed of 371 km/h was recorded there. Sudden changes in the weather also make the mountain very difficult for visitors.
6. El Reno, Oklahoma, United States
Oklahoma is in the famous Tornado Alley of the United States. The destructive power of severe thunderstorms was shown in 2013 by a tornado near El Reno that was about 4.18 kilometers wide.
7. Turbat, Pakistan
In Balochistan, Turbat has witnessed extreme heat. Pakistan, where 53.7°C was recorded in May 2017, is one of the countries with the highest officially recorded temperatures.
8. Oymyakon, Russia (Siberian)
Oymyakon is one of the coldest permanently inhabited places on Earth. Temperatures have fallen to around -67.8°C, bringing severe problems for transport, heating and everyday life.
9. Greenland (Middle)
The interior of Greenland has extremes of cold. The lowest temperature ever officially recorded in the Northern Hemisphere was -69.6°C at Klinck’s meteorological station in 1991.
10. Cherrapunji, India
Cherrapunji is another well-known rainfall hot spot. For example, in June 1995 it received 2,493 millimeters of rain in just 48 hours—a demonstration of how quickly extreme rainfall can change local conditions.
Explore more future-ready stories.
How Will Korea Cut Carbon?
Check out the coal phase-out strategy.
Which Countries Beat Urban Heat?
Find the leading cooling initiatives.
Which Cities Are Climate Ready?
Browse the smartest infrastructure projects.
Where Can Vegans Eat Best?
Discover top plant-based food destinations.
Which Cities Redefine Public Spaces?
See the world’s most innovative urban designs.
Why These Places Have Severe Weather
They are not extreme places and that is no accident. Altitude, latitude, mountains, deserts, ocean currents and weather all affect local conditions. Travellers, residents and outdoor workers should check reliable forecasts before venturing into such areas.
Conclusion
These places on Earth allow us to get a taste of the incredible diversity of extreme weather our planet is capable of producing. Knowing about these environments also helps people anticipate changing conditions and respect the power of nature.
