5 Hottest Places on Earth

It is summer in the northern hemisphere and in most countries, May is peak summer time when the mercury rises. In several cities, especially in the tropical zone, temperatures may go up to 45 degrees celsius. If you thought that these temperatures are unbearable, wait till you read about these 5 hottest places on earth, where temperatures soar beyond 50 degrees.

1) Dasht-e Lut, Iran

Dasht-e Lut in Iran is currently the hottest place on earth where the highest temperature recorded was about 70.6 degree Celsius (159 F). The area is a salt desert and the 25th largest desert in the world. The desert absorbs a lot of heat because it is partly covered with black volcanic lava. It is suggested that no living creature has been found anywhere on this desert. The south eastern portion is covered with sand dunes while the eastern portion consists of plateau with salt flats, ravines and sinkholes.

2) Al 'Aziziyah, Libya

For a long time, this place was considered the hottest place with a temperature of 57.8 degrees Celsius (136 F), before it was beaten by Dasht-e Lut and Death Valley in United States. However, it is still one of the hottest places on earth. Also called El Azizia, the city is located in north western Libya. Interestingly, despite this unbearable heat, the city is fully inhabited and is one of the major trade centres in Libya. The population of this city is actually about 300,000. It may not be the hottest place anymore, but definitely the hottest city that has a human population.

3) Timbuktu, Mali

Yes!! This place exists on earth. And it is one of the hottest places on earth. Timbuktu, most commonly used as a metaphor to indicate 'a distant land in the middle of nowhere', is situated on the southern edge of Sahara desert and at a distance of 10 miles to Niger River to its north. The town's streets are usually covered in sand and the temperature can reach up to 54.5 degree Celsius (130 F). The average temperature here during May is about 42 degree celsius. Even in winters, the temperature may be as high as 32 degrees. Moreover, there are about 40,000 people living in this hot place.

4) Araouane, Mali

This is another village in the middle of a desert on the way to Timbuktu, in Mali. The temperature here goes up to about 54.4 degree Celsius (130 F). There are about 300 families in this village. The surrounding desert is completely barren. There is not even sufficient rainfall to grow crops in this remote village. Hence, Araouane is dependent on the caravan trade that move blocks of salts from mines in the north.

5) Tirat Tsvi, Israel

Israel is considered a hot country. But there are places in Israel that can be really hot. It may not be the hottest place on the planet, but is definitely the hottest place in Asia with temperature recorded as high as 54 degrees Celsius (129 F). The town lies about 220 meters below sea level. Despite its hot climate, Tirat Tsvi has about 18,000 date trees and is the largest grower of dates in Israel.

These are some of the hottest places on earth. Do comment below some of the hottest places you have seen.