The Sahara Desert is known for its extreme temperatures, which can reach staggering highs during the day. In the hottest parts of the Sahara, temperatures can soar above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). The recorded highest temperature in the Sahara was 58 degrees Celsius (136.4 degrees Fahrenheit), noted in 1922 in Al Aziziyah, Libya, although this record is contested.
The intense heat is a result of several factors. The Sahara covers a vast area of about 9.2 million square kilometers, stretching across North Africa. This region receives very little rainfall, leading to dry soil and air that can heat up quickly under the sun. The lack of vegetation also contributes to the high temperatures, as there are fewer plants to provide shade or cool the air through transpiration.
During the night, however, temperatures can drop significantly, sometimes reaching near freezing in some areas. This drastic temperature fluctuation is typical for deserts, where the lack of moisture allows for rapid cooling after sunset.
Travelers and researchers venturing into the Sahara must be equipped to handle these extreme conditions, as the heat during the day can be brutal, and the temperature drop at night can be surprising. Proper hydration and shelter from the sun are essential for survival in such an unforgiving environment.