What are the khamsin, ghibli, and chili winds of North Africa?

The khamsin, ghibli, and chili are all hot, dusty, southerly winds that originate in the interior of the Sahara and are particularly common during the spring. While these terms refer to the same general meteorological phenomenon—hot, dry winds carrying desert dust—they are identified by different names depending on the region:1

• Khamsin: Known by this name in Egypt, the khamsin is a hot, dry, and dusty wind that blows from the south or southeast. Its name is derived from the Arabic word for "50," referring to the approximate 50-day period during which it occurs annually. It can reach temperatures exceeding 40° C (104° F) and may persist for several days.21
• Ghibli: This is the name used for the wind in Libya. It is a hot, dusty wind that descends from the interior highlands toward the Mediterranean Sea.13
• Chili: This term is used to describe the same hot, southerly wind when it occurs in Tunisia.1