The Earth is home to many places with extraordinary and often extreme climates. In these locations, daily life is shaped by the need to adapt to harsh environmental conditions. From burning deserts to ice-bound settlements, nature never fails to impress with its power and diversity.
Deep in the Sahara Desert lies Araouane, Mali, among the hottest places on the planet. Summers are extremely long and tough — average temperatures can hit 46°C. Strong winds regularly move across the dry land, causing repeated sandstorms. Even with such intense summer heat, the winter season offers much milder weather that is ideal for outdoor activities.
At the other extreme is Oymyakon, Russia, considered one of the coldest inhabited areas in the world. Winter temperatures usually stay around -50°C, and the lowest ever recorded was -71.2°C in 1924. In the depth of winter, daylight lasts for only three hours each day. Because the ground is frozen all year, local people have developed a diet that includes raw fish. Yet in summer, the weather turns surprisingly warm and humid — the summer temperatures can get up to 34°C.
Not far away from Oymyakon lies Verkhoyansk, referred to as the “cold pole”. It holds the record for the largest annual temperature range on Earth — an astonishing 106°C. Winters are bitterly cold and extended — temperatures in January can reach as low as -70°C, while summers, though brief, can reach 38°C. This area also offers the unique experience of polar days and polar nights.
Closer to us, Xining in China is known for its sharp daily temperature changes, particularly in April. A warm afternoon might see temperatures around 24°C, perfect for light clothing, but by nightfall, it can drop to near 0°C, making heavy coats necessary. This quick change allows people to live through two distinct seasons in just one day.
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