What makes Death Valley so hot?

So what makes Death Valley such an oven? A unique set of environmental factors send temperatures soaring in the desert region, forcing adaptations among the plants and animals that live there. A sun-scorched environment. The biggest factor behind Death Valley's extreme heat is its elevation. read more

(The temperature in Death Valley on June 29, 2013, was 129 F (54 C), making it the hottest June day on record for the United States.) "That really allows for the solar radiation to heat up the air, and really dry it out, and make it an incredibly hot environment," Cerveny said. read more

So, knowing this, let's talk about why Death Valley is so hot. First, Death Valley is a valley on the lee-side of a mountain range. There is sparse vegetation and the soil has a relatively low albedo. read more

Death Valley is a deep valley trough surrounded by high mountain walls. The floor of the valley is 282 feet below the level of the sea. The sun beats down on the ground without mercy and no cool winds come along to blow away the scorching air. Few rain clouds blow into the valley. read more