1/ There is much discussion on Twitter regarding the Preliminary Record of 130° degrees measured at @DeathValleyNPS on 16 August.

This thread will serve to answer some questions regarding the measurement.
#DeathValley #Climate #CAwx

2/ Death Valley recorded a high temperature of 129.9° F @ 3:41 PM PDT on Sun, Aug 16, 2020.

If verified, it will be the hottest official temperature since July of 1913. More on this topic later. Keep reading.

4/ This temperature was measured @NatlParkService Visitors Center in Furnace Creek using a @NWS owned automated observation system. The elevation of this equipment is -193 feet (193 ft below sea level)

5/ The temperature sensor is rated up to 158° degrees F and measures at 0.018° degrees F accuracy.

The equipment is maintained regularly by @NWSVegas Electronic Technicians. Preliminary findings indicate it was in proper working condition at the time of the observation.

6/ This high temperature is considered preliminary pending a formal review. A Climate Extremes Committee of experts will be formed to verify the validity of the 130° F reading

This process will take some time. An announcement will be once it is completed

7/ If validate the 130° F yesterday would tie for the 3rd most reliably measured, all-time global high temperature and will be the hottest temperature officially verified since July of 1913, also at Death Valley.

134°F - Jul 10, 1913
131°F - Jul 13, 1913
130°F - Jul 12, 1913

8/ The observations from 1913 were also recorded at Furnace Creek (formerly Greenland Ranch). It is important to stress that the above-listed records (other than yesterday’s recording) are considered official @WMO World records.

9/ We are in the midst of a long-duration extreme heat event. Another run at 130°+ temperatures in Death Valley remains possible

You can track real-time observation & forecasts at @NWSVegas Death Valley Recreation Page.

Here: http://t.ly/Kt2A