Algeria: Climate

From its position, Algeria might be supposed to enjoy a warm climate; but the temperature varies considerably in different parts, according to the elevation and configuration of the country. In the northern districts the climate very much resembles that of the south of Spain, while in the Sahara the heat is often excessive. In the more elevated regions the winter is frequently very severe; but along the coast the temperature is mild, very rarely sinking to the freezing-point even in winter, when heavy rains are of frequent occurrence. Dr Shaw knew the thermometer r each the freezing-point only twice during twelve years residence at Algiers. The coldest month is January, the hottest August. The rains prevail from December to February; the temperate season continues from March to June, and the hot season lasts from July to November. The mean annual temperature of the town of Algiers is about 66.5&Mac251; Fahr.; being for the coldest month 48&Mac251;, and for the hottest 83&Mac251;. During summer there is a great difference between the day and night temperature, especially in the inland districts. The simoon or hot wind of the desert sweeps at intervals over the country, between May and September, impregnating the air with fine sand from the desert. In general, with the exception of places in the vicinity of the marshes, Algeria possesses a healthy climate. Ophtahlmia, however, is very common, and elephantiasis is by no means an unusual disease, owing to the want of cleanliness among the country people.





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