When mentioning Africa, we refer to a continent characterized by scorching temperatures year-round. It is a continent facing numerous challenges in economic development and modernization. The people here endure significant hardships due to the harshness of the weather.
Let’s explore the Distinct Characteristics of Africa’s Climate to gain a broader understanding of the climate in this region.
Overview of Africa’s Geographic Location
Africa is a vast continent with significant geographical importance. To the north, it borders the Mediterranean Sea; to the north, it adjoins Asia; to the southeast, it meets the Indian Ocean; and to the southwest, it borders the Atlantic Ocean. However, the equator runs through this continent, leading to intense heat, which poses a significant limitation on the climate and the economic development of the region.
Most of Africa lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, making it hot all year round.
Africa is the third largest continent in the world, following Asia and North America. With a land area exceeding 30 million km², most of Africa lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Therefore, Africa experiences a hot climate all year round.
Surrounding Africa are vast oceans and extensive coastlines: the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea. To the northeast, Africa borders Asia and is connected to it through the Isthmus of Suez. The Suez Canal passes through this isthmus, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea.
The coastline of Africa is relatively undivided, with very few bays, beaches, and large islands; among which the largest are Madagascar and the Horn of Africa.
Climate Characteristics of Africa
Africa is a continent with relatively high terrain. The entire continent is viewed as a massive plateau, featuring large basins.
Due to its location within the tropical zone, extensive land area, and lack of deep-sea penetration, this region has one of the hottest and driest climates in the world.
Africa experiences a hot climate with an average annual temperature exceeding 20 degrees Celsius and stable weather conditions. Rainfall in this region is relatively low and tends to decrease towards the tropics, leading to the formation of large deserts that extend close to the coast.
In North Africa, there are many deserts, the most notable being the Sahara, the largest desert in the world, characterized by dry rocky areas and vast expanses of sand. Here, daytime temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 0 degrees Celsius. Due to the arid conditions, lakes and rivers are exceedingly rare and have very little water.
In Africa, approximately one-third of the area experiences a climate divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Areas with plentiful rainfall create suitable conditions for the growth of lush tropical forests. In sufficiently humid regions, there are sparse forests. Conversely, in areas with little rainfall, tall grasslands and shrublands known as savannahs emerge. In these extensive grasslands, one can occasionally find acacia trees or baobab trees. The baobab is a large tree species that can live for thousands of years. Additionally, savannahs are home to many herbivorous animals such as zebras, giraffes, elephants, and some carnivorous species like leopards, lions, and hyenas.
In areas with minimal rainfall, tall grasslands and shrublands known as savannahs emerge.
Why is Africa the Hottest and Driest Continent in the World?
It can be said that Africa is the driest and hottest continent in the world due to the following reasons:
From its geographical location, Africa occupies a unique area that no other continent has. The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn run horizontally across the northern and southern parts of the continent, making Africa appear to be squeezed between these two tropics. Furthermore, most of Africa lies in the tropical zone, meaning it is heavily influenced by the dry and hot continental air masses.
To the north, Africa borders the vast Eurasian continent. At certain times, the northeast monsoon from the Eurasian continent descends upon northern Africa, resulting in very dry conditions with little rain.
Africa is a vast and flat territory, with elevations above 2000 meters, and its coastline is not significantly fragmented. With a geographical feature of a large plateau, the influence of the sea cannot penetrate deeply inland, contributing to Africa’s very dry climate.
Additionally, Africa is strongly affected by cold ocean currents, along with mountain ranges extending out to sea, which further obstruct the influence of the sea inland.
These factors contribute to the severe aridity and heat experienced in Africa, with scarce rainfall and harsh climatic conditions. Therefore, Africa is recognized as one of the driest and hottest continents in the world.
