The hottest desert on Earth is the Lut Desert (also known as Dasht-e Lut) in Iran.
The Hottest Desert on Earth
The scorching title of the hottest desert in the world belongs to the Lut Desert located in southeastern Iran. This arid expanse recorded an astounding surface temperature in 2005, making it the highest land surface temperature ever recorded.
Lut Desert: The Record Holder
The Lut Desert's extreme temperatures are a result of its unique geological features and environmental conditions. It is a hyper-arid region characterized by vast salt plains, sand dunes, and volcanic rock formations that absorb and radiate intense heat.
- Location: Southeastern Iran
- Record Temperature: A blistering 70.7°C (159.3°F)
- Year of Record: 2005
Comparing Hot Deserts
While other deserts are renowned for their heat, the Lut Desert surpasses them in extreme temperature records. Death Valley in California, often cited as one of the hottest places, is a frequent contender for the title of hottest desert in North America but does not reach the same scorching highs as the Lut Desert.
| Desert Name | Location | Hottest Recorded Temperature | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lut Desert | Iran | 70.7°C (159.3°F) | 2005 | World's Hottest Desert |
| Death Valley | California, USA | Does not reach Lut's highs | N/A | Often considered one of the hottest in North America |
The exceptional heat in the Lut Desert underscores the planet's diverse and extreme climatic zones.
