Extreme weather is nothing new but it's always something that's fascinating from a scientific standpoint. The power of Mother Nature is awesome and all-encompassing, which is why severe weather areas around the world have always been alluring to those who have meteorological interests. There have been many historic storms and natural phenomena that have happened throughout the decades, and even centuries, and there are many that continue to this day. However, when it comes to the ultimate in routinely brutal weather, there are a limited few locations around the world that see storms more severe than anywhere else on the planet.

These destinations are not tourist destinations nor are they recommended as necessarily 'safe' to visit. The weather in places such as these is unpredictable and things can get harry in a matter of seconds, but that doesn't mean those interested can't observe Mother Nature's handiwork from a distance or even stay in a nearby city or town. Some of these places don't even have inhabitants though - which means you'll just have to take our word for it that they're too dangerous for anyone to traverse their landscape.

Dome A

Considered the coldest place on earth, Dome A is located in Antarctica where no human life could possibly be sustained. This is one of several Domes that exist in Antarctica and while it's believed that the coldest temperature could be somewhere around -102 degrees Celsius, the coldest actual recorded temperature on record was -82.5 degrees Celsius below zero. This temperature was recorded during the month of July so it likely gets even colder during the harsh winter months.

Zulia, Venezuela

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This destination is known well because of the Catatumbo Lightning. The lightning that's seen over this open body of water is more persistent and volatile than any other in the world. It's estimated that somewhere around 20,000 lightning strikes per night are the average, making it one of the most dangerous places on the earth as well as the most active in terms of a continuous thunderstorm. The Indigenous people told stories of this lightning so while it's unclear when it started, it's clear that it has been ongoing for a significant amount of time. Lightning can be seen here anywhere between 140 and 160 nights a year and goes on for roughly ten hours each night.

Meghalaya, India

The Nohkalikai Falls is truly a sight to behold, standing at a towering 335 meters high with a consistent stream of thundering falls cascading to the rocks below. The reason for this waterfall's power is due to the tremendous amounts of rain that the area receives, where it has broken world records in terms of the amount of rainfall recorded. This also accounts for the beautiful ecosystem surrounding the falls, as the excess rain allows plants and wildlife to flourish without any dry spells or droughts.

Markansu Valley

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Also known as the Valley of Tornadoes, the Markansu Valley is located up in the Pamir Mountains. By the afternoon, there's a noticeable difference in the winds in this valley and as they pick up speed, many reach tornado-strength winds. Those who have been caught traversing the desert have reported livestock being picked up and blown around in the air as well as the baggage they're carrying. Long ago, people would claim that these winds were a result of spirits who were vengeful and angry.

Alajuela, Costa Rica

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When it comes to acid rain, Alajuela is definitely on the map in terms of how much it sees annually. Specifically, the lake around the crater of the Póas Volcano. Between the acid fog and the acid rain, it has a pH level of 2.0. Due to its uninhabitable nature, the area around the crater is nothing but scorched earth devoid of any plant or wildlife. The effects of this area's acid rain can be felt far beyond the lake, however, nearby farms and residents have noticed that their cars and machinery develop an unnatural level of rust due to the imbalance in the precipitation. It's advised that tourists avoid this area as well as potential health problems that could arise from the exposure to the fog and rain.

Yungay, Chile

In stark contrast, Yungay is the driest place on the earth. The unique thing about this area is that it's so similar to the environment that's seen on the planet Mars which is why it's drawn so much attention by scientists. It's one of the few places left on earth where there exists no water and no life (aside from slight amounts of microorganic life).

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