How does Baghdad’s latitude influence its annual temperature range?
The correct answer and explanation is :
Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq, is located at a latitude of approximately 33.3° N. This position influences its climate significantly, especially its annual temperature range.
Latitude and Temperature Range
The latitude of Baghdad places it in a semi-arid climate zone, meaning it experiences hot summers and mild winters. The key factor here is the angle of the Sun’s rays and how they vary over the course of the year. At Baghdad’s latitude, the Sun’s rays are relatively direct during the summer months, leading to extremely high temperatures, but they are less direct during winter, which results in cooler conditions.
Summer and Winter Temperature Variation
- Summer: During the summer, particularly from June to August, Baghdad experiences some of the highest temperatures in the region. The Sun is directly overhead or close to it, causing high solar insolation (the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface). This intense sunlight raises temperatures significantly, often exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the day. Due to the latitude, Baghdad does not receive much relief from cloud cover, which further contributes to the scorching heat.
- Winter: In contrast, the winter months (December to February) are much cooler. At this time, the Sun is at a lower angle, meaning there is less direct sunlight. As a result, daytime temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The nights can become quite chilly, with temperatures sometimes dipping below 5°C (41°F), especially during cold spells.
Annual Temperature Range
Baghdad’s latitude also means that it has a relatively large annual temperature range, with temperatures varying by as much as 30°C to 40°C (54°F to 72°F) between summer and winter. This variation is influenced not just by latitude, but also by its continental location (far from any large bodies of water, which would moderate temperatures). The seasonal shift between extreme heat and cooler conditions underscores the significant role of latitude in determining Baghdad’s climate.
