Why do some deserts have cold mornings with frost even though they are hot during the day?
Quick Answer
Dry air and clear skies allow heat to escape quickly overnight, so temperatures can fall below freezing before sunrise. Low humidity means there is little atmospheric insulation to keep the ground warm.
The Full Story
Deserts can experience very large day-night temperature swings because dry air does not retain heat well after sunset. Under clear skies, the ground radiates heat directly to space, and there is little water vapor to slow that loss. If the temperature drops below 0 °C before dawn, frost can form on plants, rocks, and soil. This happens in both hot deserts and cold deserts, especially at high elevations or during winter.
Key Facts
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