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What are the two main climate zones of the Sahara Desert?
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Sahara
Sand dunes in the Sahara, near Merzouga, Morocco.
The Sahara Desert is dominated by two primary climatic regimes:1
- Dry Subtropical Climate: Located in the north, this zone is characterized by high annual and diurnal temperature ranges, cold to cool winters, hot summers, and two distinct precipitation maximums.1
- Dry Tropical Climate: Found in the south, this regime features a strong annual temperature cycle, mild and dry winters, and a hot dry season that precedes variable summer rains.1
Additionally, a narrow strip along the western coast experiences a relatively cool, uniform temperature due to the influence of the Canary Current.1