Last updated: January 18, 2025
Wadi Fira, located in Chad, experiences a BWh climate, characterized by its hot semi-arid conditions. The region's temperature fluctuates significantly throughout the year, with a minimum dipping to 6°C (43°F) in January and soaring to a blistering 44°C (112°F) in April. On average, the temperature hovers around a warm 27°C (81°F), creating an environment that showcases the extreme contrasts typical of desert climates. This climatic profile underscores the challenges faced by both local ecosystems and human communities in adapting to such harsh temperature variations.
In Wadi Fira, Chad, the temperature exhibits distinct seasonal patterns throughout the year. The coldest month is January, with minimum temperatures around 6°C (43°F), gradually increasing as spring approaches, peaking in April with maximum values reaching a scorching 44°C (112°F). As the seasons transition into summer, May and June maintain these high temperatures, with averages around 32°C (90°F) and 31°C (88°F), before slightly cooling in July and August. The latter months experience a decline in both minimum and maximum temperatures, with averages dropping to 26°C (79°F) in August. As autumn arrives, temperatures continue to cool, concluding the year with December showing minimums around 8°C (47°F), thus highlighting the dramatic temperature fluctuations characteristic of this semi-arid region.
Biltine experiences a minimum temperature of 11°C (53°F) in January, with a maximum of 44°C (112°F) in April, showcasing its warm climate throughout the early months of the year, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Biltine. In comparison, Iriba has a cooler minimum of 6°C (43°F) in January and a slightly lower maximum of 41°C (106°F) in May, reflecting its own distinct weather patterns as outlined in the monthly temperatures in Iriba.
Wadi Fira, Chad, displays a strikingly arid climate for most of the year, with no recorded precipitation from January through April. This prolonged dry period sets the stage for the onset of the rainy season, which begins in May with a modest accumulation of 3 mm (0.1 in). As the summer progresses, rainfall intensifies, reaching a peak in August, when the region receives a substantial 153 mm (6.0 in) over 19 days. This seasonal shift is crucial for replenishing local water sources and supporting agriculture, as the extended dry spells prior to this period can severely limit water availability.
The distribution of rainfall reveals significant fluctuations throughout the wet season, with June and July also contributing notably to the tally, recording 20 mm (0.8 in) and 56 mm (2.2 in), respectively. Following the peak in August, precipitation drops sharply in September to 26 mm (1.0 in), before tapering off to a meager 7 mm (0.3 in) in October. As the year concludes, Wadi Fira returns to its dry state, with no further rainfall from November through December. This pattern underscores the reliance of the region's climate on a short and intense wet season, highlighting the potential challenges for water management during the lengthy dry periods.
In Wadi Fira, Chad, sunshine duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal trend, with a gradual increase in hours from winter through summer. The year begins with 265 hours of sunshine in January, gradually rising to 300 hours in February. This upward trajectory continues, peaking in May at 357 hours, which represents the most sunlight experienced throughout the year. The sustained sunshine during these spring and early summer months provides an essential boost for local agriculture and contributes to the warm temperatures characteristic of this semi-arid region.
As the year progresses into the summer months, sunshine hours remain robust, with June and July recording 348 hours and 346 hours, respectively. Although a slight decline occurs in August to 336 hours, the sunlight remains plentiful. Following this peak, sunshine hours begin to taper gradually in the autumn, with September, October, and November seeing 324 hours, 327 hours, and 315 hours, respectively. December closes the year with 322 hours, still holding firm above winter levels. Overall, Wadi Fira's pattern of sunshine underscores the region's consistent exposure to sunlight, which plays a pivotal role in supporting its climate and local ecosystems.
The UV Index in Wadi Fira, Chad, presents significant health implications throughout the year, reflecting the area's intense solar radiation. Beginning with a UV Index of 10 in January, categorized as very high, residents and visitors are advised to limit sun exposure to a maximum of 15 minutes. The index escalates dramatically in February, reaching 12 and transitioning into the extreme exposure category, which underscores the urgent need for protective measures against harmful ultraviolet radiation. This extreme trend persists into March and April, where the UV Index remains at its peak of 14, necessitating immediate protection strategies due to the exceedingly short burn time of just 10 minutes.
As summer arrives, the UV Index maintains elevated levels, consistently hovering around 12 to 13 from June through August, which continues to fall within the extreme category, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. A gradual decline occurs in the autumn months, with the index dropping to 11 in October and ending the year with a 10 in November, returning to the very high territory. By December, the UV Index slightly decreases to 9, yet still remains above moderate levels. These fluctuations emphasize the importance of sun safety and awareness of UV exposure, particularly during the peak months when ultraviolet radiation is at its most harmful.
UV Risk Categories
In Wadi Fira, Chad, daylight duration remains relatively stable throughout most of the year, showcasing a pattern characteristic of regions closer to the equator. January and February each see 11 hours of daylight, providing a consistent amount of sun that supports local ecosystems. As the year progresses into March, daylight extends to 12 hours, a duration that persists from March through September, offering ample light for agricultural activities and daily life.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight begins to taper off once again, returning to 11 hours in both October and November. December completes the year with the same amount of daylight as the beginning months, reflecting the region’s cyclic nature. This consistency in daylight hours highlights the predictable environmental conditions in Wadi Fira, allowing residents to plan their activities around a reliable schedule of sunlight, which is essential for both agriculture and overall well-being.
Biltine, Chad, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures year-round and distinct dry and wet seasons. The average temperatures vary from 24°C (76°F) in January to 34°C (94°F) in May, with maximum temperatures occasionally reaching up to 44°C (112°F) in April and May. Precipitation is minimal from January to April, but the wet season peaks in August with 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain. Sunshine is abundant, with an impressive 354 hours in May and consistent daylight throughout the year. For more details, visit Biltine climate.
Iriba, Chad experiences a predominantly hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. January marks the coolest month with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F), while April and May see peaks of up to 41°C (106°F). Rainfall is minimal, primarily occurring between June and August, with August receiving the highest average precipitation of 145 mm (5.7 in). Despite the arid conditions, Iriba enjoys ample sunshine, with May experiencing the most hours at 361. For more detailed information, visit Iriba climate.
In summary, Wadi Fira, Chad, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by its hot semi-arid environment, marked temperature fluctuations, intense sunshine, significant UV exposure, and consistent daylight durations. The region's climate experiences a dramatic contrast between dry and wet seasons, with limited rainfall and extreme heat persisting for most of the year. This pattern, coupled with high UV indices, particularly during the summer months, underscores the need for awareness and protective measures against sun exposure. Overall, the climatic conditions in Wadi Fira not only shape the local ecology but also influence the livelihoods of its inhabitants, making an understanding of these trends essential for sustainable living and resource management in this captivating region of Chad.