Last updated: January 18, 2025
Borkou, located in Chad, features a Köppen-Geiger climate classification of BWh, indicative of a hot desert climate. The region experiences significant temperature variations, with a minimum temperature dipping to 7°C (46°F) in February, escalating to an average of 29°C (85°F). The peak heat occurs in May, where temperatures can soar to a staggering 46°C (115°F). This climate profile highlights Borkou's extreme heat and aridity, presenting unique challenges and adaptations for both its environment and inhabitants.
In Borkou, Chad, temperature patterns exhibit a clear seasonal trend characterized by extreme heat, particularly from March to May. The year begins with relatively mild conditions in January, where temperatures peak at 36°C (97°F); however, as February approaches, the warmth intensifies, reaching 38°C (101°F). March marks a significant uptick, with maximum temperatures soaring to 43°C (111°F), followed by April and May, which top out at 45°C (113°F) and 46°C (115°F) respectively. Following this peak, temperatures remain high into the early summer months of June and July, stabilizing around 35-36°C (95-97°F) before slightly cooling in August and September. The transition to cooler months begins in October, where temperatures step down to 31°C (88°F), and November sees a further decline to 25°C (78°F). By December, temperatures stabilize again at a more moderate range, culminating the yearly cycle with averages around 21°C (69°F), highlighting the stark contrast between the intense heat of the summer and the cooler months at year’s end.
Faya-Largeau experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with a minimum temperature of 7°C (46°F) recorded in February and soaring to a maximum of 46°C (115°F) in May. For more detailed information on the monthly temperatures in Faya-Largeau, visit monthly temperatures in Faya-Largeau.
Borkou, Chad, experiences extremely low precipitation levels throughout the majority of the year, with no rainfall recorded from January to June, reflecting its classification as a hot desert climate. The months leading up to the rainy season show consistently dry conditions, resulting in a total absence of measurable precipitation. This prolonged dry spell is characteristic of the region, exacerbating its arid landscape and limiting agricultural possibilities without supplemental irrigation.
The onset of the rainy season occurs in July, albeit minimally, with just 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over the course of the month, lasting for a short duration of zero days. August sees a slight increase in rainfall to 8 mm (0.3 in), accompanied by two days of rain, but the overall totals remain low. The transition back to dry conditions occurs sharply in September, with no further precipitation reported for the remainder of the year. This sporadic rainfall pattern highlights the variable nature of moisture availability in Borkou, reinforcing the challenges posed by its predominantly arid climate.
Borkou, Chad, experiences a notable increase in sunshine duration as the year progresses, showcasing a clear seasonal trend. Starting with 254 hours of sunshine in January, the hours steadily climb through the early months of the year, reaching 293 hours in February and peaking at 335 hours in April. This upward trajectory continues with an impressive 357 hours in May, as the region enters the hotter months when daylight becomes increasingly abundant. June and July maintain high sunshine levels, with 347 hours and 358 hours respectively, marking them as some of the brightest months of the year.
As the peak summer months transition into late summer and early autumn, sunshine hours begin to slightly decline. August still captures 348 hours of sun, but the trend shifts downward in September with 324 hours, and it continues to decrease to 322 hours in October. November and December reflect further reductions but still boast respectable totals of 308 hours and 310 hours, respectively. Overall, Borkou's sunshine patterns reveal a robust summer brightness contrasted with shorter daylight hours in the cooler months, enriching the region’s desolate beauty while highlighting potential implications for agriculture and local ecosystems.
In Borkou, Chad, the UV Index exhibits a significant range throughout the year, reflecting the region's hot and sunny climate. The year begins with a UV Index of 8 in January, indicating very high exposure risk, and it remains consistent through February at 10. As the months progress into March and April, the UV Index climbs to an alarming 12, categorizing these months as extreme, where a burn time of just 10 minutes is advised for unprotected skin. This trend towards higher UV levels highlights the critical need for sun protection in the early months, especially as temperatures rise and outdoor activities become more prevalent.
The intensity of the UV Index persists throughout the summer months, with readings of 11 from May to July, emphasizing the ongoing risk for skin damage without adequate protection. In August, the UV Index spikes back to 12 before gradually decreasing to 11 again in September. October and November offer a slight reprieve, dropping to a UV Index of 9 and 8, respectively, still categorized as very high, while December sees a further reduction to 7, categorized as high, with a burn time extended to 25 minutes. This yearly cycle underscores the importance of maintaining sun safety practices, particularly during the peak sun exposure months, to mitigate health risks associated with intense UV radiation in Borkou.
UV Risk Categories
In Borkou, Chad, daylight duration exhibits a consistent yearly pattern characterized by minor fluctuations. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, providing a stable but limited amount of sunlight during the winter months. As spring approaches, daylight increases slightly to 12 hours from March through May, offering longer days that support outdoor activities and agricultural practices. The transition into summer in June brings the peak daylight duration of 13 hours, maintaining this longer exposure throughout July, which is an essential factor for both ecological balance and energy reliance in the region.
As the summer months give way to late summer and autumn, daylight duration begins to gradually decrease. In August, daylight starts to taper off back to 12 hours, a trend that continues through September. October brings a further reduction to 11 hours, which persists into November and December, marking the return to the shorter days experienced at the beginning of the year. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration influences various aspects of life in Borkou, from agriculture to daily routines, and underscores the region's overall climatic stability while highlighting seasonal variations.
Faya-Largeau, Chad experiences a hot desert climate, with temperatures soaring from a minimum of 7°C (46°F) in February to a peak of 46°C (115°F) in May. Most months see little to no precipitation, with only slight rainfall occurring in July and August, totaling 10 mm (0.4 in) at most. Sunshine is abundant, peaking at 358 hours in July and remaining consistently high throughout the year. The dry season lasts from January to June, while brief, minimal rains characterize the summer months. For more detailed information, visit Faya-Largeau climate.
In conclusion, Borkou, Chad, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by extreme temperatures, minimal precipitation, high sunshine duration, and elevated UV radiation levels. The region's hot desert climate manifests in a marked seasonal variation, with scorching summers and mild winters, impacting both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of its inhabitants. Despite the challenges posed by limited rainfall and high UV exposure, the significant hours of daylight and intense sunlight present opportunities for solar energy utilization and specific agricultural practices. Understanding these climatic attributes is crucial for developing sustainable strategies that enhance resilience and harness the region's natural resources effectively.