Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Ash Shāţiʼ, Libya, is classified as BWh under the Köppen-Geiger system, indicating a hot desert environment. Characterized by extreme temperature variation, the region experiences minimum temperatures plummeting to -3°C (27°F) in January, while summer peaks soar to a sweltering 48°C (118°F) in July. With an average annual temperature hovering around 23°C (74°F), Ash Shāţiʼ exemplifies the stark conditions of a typical desert climate, posing unique challenges to its ecosystems and inhabitants.
In Ash Shāţiʼ, Libya, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends characterized by significant fluctuations. Winter months, particularly January and February, witness cooler conditions with minimum temperatures dipping to -3°C (27°F) and 0°C (32°F), respectively, while average highs reach about 28°C (82°F) in January. As spring unfolds in March and April, temperatures rise notably, with averages climbing to 25°C (77°F) and maximums peaking at 42°C (109°F) by April. The transition to summer brings further intensity, especially in July, when the region experiences extreme heat, recording maximums up to 48°C (118°F) and average lows around 20°C (68°F). As temperatures begin to cool from August through December, the region remains warm, but minimums again approach freezing towards the end of the year, highlighting the sharp contrasts that define Ash Shāţiʼ's climatic profile.
Brak and Idri, both located in Libya, experience extreme temperature variations throughout the year. In Brak, temperatures can drop to a minimum of -2°C (28°F) in January and soar to a maximum of 48°C (118°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Brak. Similarly, Idri records slightly lower temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in January and a peak of 47°C (117°F) in July, according to the monthly temperatures in Idri.
Precipitation in Ash Shāţiʼ, Libya, is remarkably scarce, reflecting its classification as a hot desert climate. Monthly rainfall is minimal throughout the year, with January registering the highest amount of 3 mm (0.1 in). February, March, and April each report a meager 1 mm (0.0 in), while the warmer months notably decline to zero precipitation from May through August. This extended dry period underscores the arid conditions that dominate the region, making it one of the driest places on earth.
Even as autumn approaches, rainfall remains negligible, with only slight increases noted in October and the subsequent months, each yielding no more than 3 mm (0.1 in) or less. Despite the lack of substantial precipitation, Ash Shāţiʼ experiences occasional, brief showers that are insufficient to significantly impact the ecosystem. Overall, the area's precipitation patterns contribute heavily to its harsh climatic conditions and the challenges faced by its inhabitants and wildlife.
In Ash Shāţiʼ, Libya, sunshine duration illustrates a pronounced seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter to summer. Starting the year with a respectable 247 hours in January, the sunshine hours begin to rise markedly, reaching 291 hours in February and escalating to 336 hours by March. The peak of sunshine occurs during the summer months, particularly in July, when the region enjoys an impressive 394 hours of bright sunlight. This intense solar exposure continues through August, with 376 hours, making this period ideal for activities reliant on ample sunshine.
As the year progresses into autumn and winter, sunshine hours gradually decline, yet remain substantial. September and October retain over 300 hours, with October reporting 324 hours. The decrease becomes more noticeable heading into November and December, where sunlight ranges from 300 to 298 hours respectively. Overall, Ash Shāţiʼ's climate is characterized by long, sun-drenched days throughout the warmer months, contributing to its arid landscape while sustaining a unique environment amid the harsh desert conditions.
The UV Index in Ash Shāţiʼ, Libya, exhibits a significant rise during the warmer months, highlighting the region's intense solar exposure. Beginning in January with a UV Index of 6, categorized as "high," the potential for sunburn increases as the year progresses. February and March witness a notable escalation, with values reaching 8 and 10 respectively, placing these months in the "very high" exposure category. April marks the onset of extreme UV conditions, with the index peaking at 11, and it remains at this level through May and early summer. This intensity underscores the importance of sun protection, as the burn time decreases to just 10 minutes during this peak period.
As summer continues, the UV Index remains consistently high, reaching 12 in June, July, and August, posing a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Only as autumn approaches does the UV Index begin to decline, dropping to 11 in September and then to 9 in October, indicating a shift towards safer levels. By November and December, the index further recedes to 7 and 5, reflecting a transition to "high" and "moderate" exposure categories, respectively. This seasonal variation in UV Index emphasizes the necessity for residents and visitors in Ash Shāţiʼ to remain vigilant about sun safety throughout the year, especially during the summer months when conditions are most extreme.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Ash Shāţiʼ, Libya, follows a predictable seasonal pattern, showcasing a gradual increase from winter to summer. Beginning with just 10 hours of daylight in January, the days slowly lengthen as spring approaches, reaching 11 hours in February and 12 hours in March. This trend stabilizes in April and May, where daylight durations peak at 13 hours, coinciding with the height of the warm season. The consistent exposure to longer days during the summer months not only enhances the region's temperatures but also provides ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural pursuits.
As summer wanes into autumn, the daylight hours commence a gradual decline. By September, daylight starts to decrease to 12 hours, followed by a further reduction to 11 hours in October. The shorter days persist into the winter months, with both November and December experiencing 10 hours of daylight again. This cyclical variability in daylight duration highlights the extremes that Ash Shāţiʼ endures through its harsh climate, allowing residents to adapt their lifestyles according to the changing seasons throughout the year.
Brak, Libya experiences a hot desert climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. January sees lows of -2°C (28°F) and moderate highs of 28°C (82°F), while summer months like July can peak at 48°C (118°F). Precipitation is scarce, with most months receiving little to no rain, particularly from May to September, and total annual rainfall remaining below 10 mm. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in July with around 394 hours, ensuring warm weather for most of the year. For more details, visit Brak climate.
Idri, Libya experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by extremely high temperatures in the summer and mild winters. January temperatures range from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), while July sees highs of up to 47°C (117°F). Precipitation is minimal throughout the year, with the wettest months receiving only a few millimeters of rain, primarily in October. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in July with 394 hours. For more detailed information, visit Idri climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Ash Shāţiʼ, Libya, presents a unique interplay of extreme temperatures, minimal precipitation, abundant sunshine, intense UV exposure, and varying daylight duration throughout the year. The region's hot desert climate, characterized by scorching summers and cooler winters, influences not only the local ecosystem but also the lifestyles of its inhabitants. Understanding these climatic elements is essential for effectively addressing the challenges posed by such an environment. Additionally, awareness of the UV Index and daylight patterns can enhance safety and quality of life for residents and visitors alike, allowing them to navigate Ash Shāţiʼ's distinct climatic landscape more effectively.