Why do some deserts get colder at night so quickly?
Quick Answer
Deserts lose heat fast because dry air holds little water vapor, which normally traps outgoing infrared radiation. With few clouds and low humidity, nighttime temperatures can drop sharply after sunset.
The Full Story
Water vapor is one of the atmosphere’s main greenhouse gases, so when air is very dry, far less heat is trapped near the ground after the Sun sets. Desert skies are often clear, which lets the surface radiate heat away efficiently into space. Many deserts also sit under sinking air in subtropical high-pressure belts, where clouds are suppressed. This combination is why places like the Sahara can be extremely hot by day and surprisingly cool at night.
Key Facts
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