What are conditions like in the Sahara Desert?

* Average daily temperature: 30–40 °C (86–104 °F)

* Average monthly temperature: 25–35 °C (77–95 °F)

* Highest recorded temperature: 57.8 °C (136 °F) in Azizia, Libya, on September 13, 1922

* Lowest recorded temperature: -18 °C (0 °F) in Bou Bernous, Algeria, on January 18, 1905

Humidity:

* Average relative humidity: 20–30%

* Lowest recorded relative humidity: 5% in Timbuktu, Mali

Rainfall:

* Average annual rainfall: 0–10 mm (0–0.4 in)

* Highest recorded annual rainfall: 100 mm (4 in) in Ghat, Libya

Wind:

* Average wind speed: 15–25 km/h (9–16 mph)

* Highest recorded wind speed: 160 km/h (99 mph) in Ghadames, Libya

Sandstorms:

* Frequency: Sandstorms occur frequently, especially in the spring and summer months.

* Intensity: Sandstorms can range in intensity from mild to severe. Severe sandstorms can reduce visibility to zero and can cause significant damage to infrastructure.

Water:

* Surface water: There is very little surface water in the Sahara Desert. The few rivers and lakes that do exist are often seasonal.

* Groundwater: There are some underground aquifers in the Sahara Desert, but they are often difficult to access.

Vegetation:

* Plant life: The Sahara Desert is very sparsely vegetated. The few plants that do grow are typically adapted to the harsh conditions, such as drought-resistant grasses and shrubs.

* Animal life: The Sahara Desert is home to a variety of animals, including camels, snakes, lizards, and scorpions.

Human habitation:

* Population: The Sahara Desert is very sparsely populated. The few people who do live in the desert are typically nomadic herders or oasis dwellers.

* Settlements: The few settlements that do exist in the Sahara Desert are typically small and isolated.