What is the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth?

The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was minus 128.6 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 89.2 degrees Celsius) at the Soviet Union's Vostok Station in Antarctica on July 21, 1983, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Vostok Station is located near the center of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, and it experiences some of the most extreme temperatures on the planet.

At such extremely low temperatures, frostbite can occur within minutes of exposure, and inhaling frigid air can damage your lungs. It's important to always wear appropriate clothing and protective gear when in cold environments and to take appropriate precautions to avoid hypothermia, a potentially deadly condition that occurs when the body's temperature drops too low.