The 1922 Temperature Record in Al ‘Aziziyah, Libya

On September 13, 1922, a remarkable meteorological event took place in Al ‘Aziziyah, a small town situated just southwest of Tripoli in Libya. The temperature soared to 57.8°C (136°F), which was reported as the highest temperature ever recorded not only in Africa but also in the entire Western Hemisphere.

Context and Significance

At the time of this recording, accurate weather measurement technologies were still developing. The reading was taken using the standard meteorological equipment available in Libya during the Italian colonial period. The site, characterized by its desert environment and scorching local climate, naturally experienced extreme temperatures, but this particular reading set global marks.

Once recorded, this temperature quickly gained recognition in weather archives and was celebrated for nearly 90 years as the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth. Its significance in climatology and meteorology was profound, as it provided insights into the heat extremes deserts could achieve.

Later Developments

In 2012, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) conducted a detailed investigation into the 1922 record. After reviewing the historical data and considering factors such as instrumentation and observation practices of the time, the WMO determined the measurement to be erroneous. They concluded inaccuracies were highly likely due to a combination of factors, including flawed equipment and miscalculations.

As a result of these findings, the WMO officially disqualified the Al ‘Aziziyah temperature as the record holder. The title of the hottest recorded temperature then reverted to the Furnace Creek Ranch area of Death Valley, California, USA, where a temperature of 56.7°C (134°F) was recorded on July 10, 1913.

Broader Impact

This reevaluation highlighted the evolution of meteorological science, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and consistency in weather records. The reconsideration of past data using modern standards has helped improve understanding of Earth’s climate and the need for reliable data collection methods and verification processes.

The Al ‘Aziziyah temperature recording serves as a reminder of the challenges in historical data accuracy and the ongoing efforts to refine the science of climate and weather monitoring.

Conclusion

While the 1922 record in Al ‘Aziziyah has since been invalidated, the event remains a point of interest for climate historians and meteorologists. It underscores a period of early 20th-century meteorological advancement and continues to influence discussions regarding the reliable documentation of extreme weather phenomena.