Death Valley Basin

Death Valley is one of the hottest and driest places in North America due to its lack of surface water and its low relief. On July 10, 1913, a record 134 F (57C) was measured at Badwater, which is (as of 2005) the highest temperature ever recorded on that continent. Daily summer temperatures of 120 F (50C) or greater are common as well as below freezing nightly temperatures in the winter.