![]() These moving masses of super heated air blow through the valley, creating extreme high temperatures. As they descend, they are compressed and heated even more by the low elevation air pressure. These pockets of descending air are only slightly cooler than the surrounding hot air. Heated air rises,cools before it can rise over the valley's mountain walls, and is recycled back down to the valley floor. Summer nights provide little relief as overnight lows may only dip into the 85☏ to 95☏ (30☌ to 35☌) range. Heat radiates back from the rocks and soil, then becomes trapped in the valley's depths. ![]() The clear, dry air and sparse plant cover allow sunlight to heat the desert surface. The valley is a long, narrow basin 282 feet (86 m) below sea level, yet is walled by high, steep mountain ranges. ![]() The depth and shape of Death Valley influence its summer temperatures. Four major mountain ranges lie between Death Valley and the ocean, each one adding to an increasingly drier rainshadow effect. By the time the clouds reach the mountains' east side they no longer have as much available moisture, creating a dry "rainshadow". As the clouds rise up they cool and the moisture condenses to fall as rain or snow on the western side of the ranges. Winter storms moving inland from the Pacific Ocean must pass over mountain ranges to continue east. Why is Death Valley's Climate so Extreme? Why so Dry? Dust storms can suddenly blow up with approaching cold fronts. Wind is common in the desert, especially in the spring. Sunny skies are the norm in Death Valley, but winter storms and summer monsoons can bring cloud cover and rain. Temperatures drop 3 to 5☏ (2 to 3☌) with every thousand vertical feet gained(approx. Higher elevations are cooler than the low valley. Winter daytime temperatures are mild in the low elevations, with cool nights that only occasionally reach freezing. In contrast to the extremes of summertime, winter and spring are very pleasant. Occasional thunderstorms, especially in late summer, can cause flash floods. ![]() Summer temperatures often top 120☏ (49☌) in the shade with overnight lows dipping into the 90s☏ (mid-30s☌.) Average rainfall is less than 2 inches (5 cm), a fraction of what most deserts receive. The world record highest air temperature of 134☏ (57☌) was recorded at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913. Death Valley is famous as the hottest place on earth and driest place in North America. ![]()
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