Now, the thermometer I saw is likely not "scientific," but I can personally attest that last week, I saw a thermometer reading of 126 degrees in the sun at noon. This thermometer was away from any structures, in a well ventilated area, actually on a bridge over a large body of water which might have decreased that temperature in that area. So, in the city, with blacktop absorbing more heat and putting it out, I can easily believe a thermometer reading of 130 or more in August. As I understand it, "official" readings are amalgamations across an area, maybe I'm wrong. But I can personally attest to a temperature above the "record" temperature as stated in this piece, with a thermometer placed correctly. If you want to doubt the thermometer itself, go ahead.

This is why the weather people put them in the shade. We got up to 125 in my driveway in North Las Vegas, NV this July. That was in the sun, the thermometer in my shady garage read 115. But like Iraq, it's a "dry" heat.