The Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded in New Mexico Will Make You Sweat Just Thinking About It

The Southwest has always been the hottest region of the United States, and New Mexico has had its share of record-breaking heat. Summer days in New Mexico can reach astounding highs, even with the dry air that comes with its desert climate. What was the hottest temperature ever recorded in New Mexico?

The Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded in New Mexico

With global temperatures climbing, it should be no surprise that New Mexico’s hottest day occurred in the last 30 years. On June 27, 1994, southwest New Mexico reached a staggering 122° Fahrenheit (50° Celsius) near Carlsbad. Measurements from that day were provided by weather recording stations in Carlsbad, Lakewood, and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (for nuclear waste storage) southeast of Carlsbad. Health researchers believe that 122°F is the highest critical temperature for humans.

Average Temperatures in New Mexico

In summer, New Mexican days above 100°F are not unusual, but 122°F is extreme. Typical temperatures in New Mexico reach their zenith in July, with the highest temperatures averaging about 97°F at low altitudes. Elevation significantly impacts temperature, with a 3°F drop for every 1,000 feet of elevation. The highest elevations in New Mexico have average July high temperatures in the upper 70s. January brings average highs in the mid-30s at upper elevations to the mid-50s at lower ones.

Animals That Thrive in High Temperatures

Animals in New Mexico may be accustomed to large temperature ranges, but very few can thrive when the heat is so extreme. When the temperatures soar past 100°F, animals that can regulate their temperatures thrive, while all others must seek shelter or die.

One such animal is the jackrabbit. Jackrabbits have blood vessels that run through their large ears and help dissipate heat. The vessels expand or contract according to the temperature, helping them stay cool in hotter weather. Mule deer do the same thing.

While mammals have sweat glands, allowing them to cool themselves through evaporation, non-humans have lower counts of these glands. Instead, large cats, like the bobcat or mountain lion, lick themselves to take advantage of evaporative cooling.

Seasonal coats help some animals by allowing for heavier coats in the winter. Conversely, deer, elk, and coyotes will shed their heavy coats to handle higher temperatures. You may see them looking ragged in the summer months as they transition to lighter coats.

Conclusion

As our climate continues to heat up, extreme temperatures will become more common throughout the globe. New Mexico is no stranger to the heat, but 122°F, the highest temperature ever recorded there, is pushing the upper limits of what humans can survive. Hopefully, we can address this crisis before it’s too late.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ed Connor/Shutterstock.com