Afghan Migration Patterns: A Climate-Driven Narrative

Afghanistan is a landlocked Central Asian country with a continental climate. The climate varies across the country, with the north-eastern part of Afghanistan experiencing colder winters due to its location in the Hindu Kush mountains. The southern part of the country, including Kandahar, has a desert climate with high temperatures and low humidity. Winters in Afghanistan can be extremely cold, with temperatures reaching as low as -34 degrees Celsius. In January 2023, over 160 people died due to the cold weather. The hot summers and cold winters in Afghanistan can cause significant challenges for its residents, and the extreme temperatures can impact their health, well-being, and access to resources.

Afghanistan's climate varies regionally

Around Kandahar, there is a distinct desert climate, with temperatures dropping to as low as 5°C at night in winter, and ranging between 30 and 40°C during the day in summer. Humidity is low in this region, and precipitation is rare. The type and amount of precipitation vary across Afghanistan, with most of the moisture brought in by winter and spring winds from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The northern mountains cool these air masses and force them to rise, resulting in rain and snow in the mountainous regions, while the dry south experiences almost no precipitation.

The central highlands of Afghanistan experience a harsh landscape, with human settlement becoming impossible at an altitude of 3,000 meters (9,840 feet). The combination of hot summers and bitterly cold winters has been compared to the U.S. state of Wyoming. The summer heat is intense in the Sistan Basin, Jalalabad, and Turkestan, with frequent dust storms and strong winds. In contrast, Kabul occasionally enjoys cool breezes from the Hindu Kush, and the nights are usually cooler.

Afghanistan's climate is influenced by its location along historic trade routes leading from Central Asia into South Asia. The country experiences clearly defined seasons, with hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach as high as 49°C in the northern valleys, while midwinter temperatures can dip to -9°C around the 2,000-meter level in the Hindu Kush. The climate in the highlands also varies with elevation, with the coolest temperatures occurring at higher altitudes.

The annual amount of precipitation in Afghanistan is about 370 to 400 mm, falling mostly in winter and spring. The deserts receive less than 100 mm of rain annually, while the mountains receive more than 1000 mm of precipitation, mostly in the form of snow. The Indian monsoon has a fringe effect in the mountains and some valleys bordering Pakistan, bringing moist maritime tropical air during the summer.

The Hindu Kush mountains in the north-east

The Hindu Kush mountains experience cold winters, with average temperatures of -4 to 1°C, and mild summers, with average temperatures of 18 to 25°C. However, the temperatures vary depending on the altitude, with higher altitudes experiencing much colder temperatures. The Hindu Kush mountains are typically divided into three sections, each with its own unique characteristics and terrain.

The eastern section of the Hindu Kush, also known as the High Hindu Kush, is mostly located in northern Pakistan and the Nuristan and Badakhshan provinces of Afghanistan. This area is home to some of the highest peaks in the range, including Tirich Mir, the tallest peak in the Hindu Kush at 25,289 feet. The eastern section also includes other notable peaks such as Noshaq and Istoro Nal. The ridges between the Khawak Pass and Badakshan, known as the Kaja Mohammed range, reach over 5,800 meters.

The central section of the Hindu Kush extends from the Dorāh Pass to the Shebar Pass, located northwest of Kabul. This area includes several high mountain passes, known as "kotals," that have been strategically important for the transit of caravans and military forces throughout history. The central Hindu Kush is also home to several glaciers, such as Kotgaz, Niroghi, Atrak, and Tirich, that flow down from high-altitude peaks.

The western section of the Hindu Kush, also known as the Bābā Mountains, gradually descends towards the Afghan city of Herāt, near the Iranian border. This area experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The western Hindu Kush is also home to several cultivated tree species, such as poplar, willow, and Russian olive.

The Hindu Kush mountains are an important source of water for the valleys below, and their high mountain passes have facilitated the movement of people, goods, and culture between Central and South Asia for centuries. The range is also rich in mineral resources, including ancient lapis lazuli mines and more recent silver mines.

The country becomes flatter and hotter in the south

Afghanistan is a landlocked Central Asian country located in the subtropics of the northern hemisphere. Its altitude and distance from the sea give it a continental climate. The country experiences significant regional variations in temperature due to geographical differences.

The country's northeastern region is in the Hindu Kush mountains, where winters are cold with temperatures averaging between −4°C and 1°C, and summers are mild with temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. However, the higher altitudes in this region experience much colder temperatures, even dropping below −50°C.

In contrast, as one moves further south, the country becomes flatter, and the temperatures rise significantly. The capital city, Kabul, often experiences summer temperatures soaring to 35°C. Even though Kabul's winters are usually a few degrees below zero, a severe cold spell in January 2023 caused temperatures to drop to −30°C, resulting in numerous deaths.

The region around Kandahar in the south has a distinct desert climate. While temperatures can drop to 5°C at night during winter, they climb to a scorching 30-40°C during summer days. The humidity also decreases significantly in this region, and precipitation is rare. The Nimroz region in the southwest is the driest part of Afghanistan, receiving less than 100 mm of precipitation annually.

The southern regions of Afghanistan, with their arid climates, regularly experience temperatures exceeding 35°C. The vast temperature differences between day and night and across seasons are characteristic of the country's arid and semiarid steppe climate.

The distinct desert climate around Kandahar

Afghanistan is located in the subtropics of the Northern Hemisphere, with a continental climate due to its altitude and distance from the sea. The country experiences cold winters and hot summers, with significant regional variations.

Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city, is situated in the south of the country, in the province of the same name. The region around Kandahar has a distinct desert climate, with low humidity and rare precipitation. Winters in Kandahar are dry and cold, with temperatures dropping to as low as 5°C at night. In contrast, summers are oppressively hot, with daytime temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C. The average high temperature in July, the hottest month, is 104°F (approximately 40°C). The substantial diurnal temperature range, where daytime highs and overnight lows differ by 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, is due to the lack of cloud cover.

The extreme temperatures in Kandahar make living and working conditions challenging for its residents. The city experiences a substantial diurnal temperature range, with hot days and cool nights. The dry and arid conditions can also increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, as exposed skin burns quickly under the constant sun. The winter months, however, bring some relief from the heat, with high temperatures in January, the coldest month, averaging in the mid-50s°F (around 13°C).

Kandahar's desert climate is characterised by low humidity and a lack of precipitation. The region receives only 7 to 8 inches of rain annually, with relative humidity averaging 38%. This dryness is further exacerbated by the windy conditions that are common in the area. As a result, the landscape is arid, and the surrounding area is predominantly flat.

The climate of Kandahar has significant implications for the city's inhabitants. The extreme heat during the summer months can be oppressive and poses health risks for those exposed to it. The dry and arid conditions can also impact the region's agriculture and water resources. However, the winter months bring cooler temperatures and slightly higher humidity, providing some respite from the heat.

In summary, the distinct desert climate around Kandahar is characterised by hot summers, cold winters, low humidity, and limited precipitation. These conditions present both challenges and opportunities for the city's residents and have shaped the cultural and economic activities of the region.

The dry south has almost no precipitation

Afghanistan is a landlocked Central Asian country with a continental climate. Its distance from the sea and altitude contribute to its climate conditions. The country experiences considerable variation in temperature and precipitation between seasons.

The southern arid regions of Afghanistan regularly experience temperatures over 35°C. The dry south of the country has significantly lower humidity and almost no precipitation. The Nimroz region in the southwest is the driest in Afghanistan, with less than 100 mm of precipitation per year.

The arid climate in the south is due to the region's distance from the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas, which are the sources of moisture-laden westerly winds. These winds bring most of the moisture to Afghanistan during winter and spring. The northern mountains cool these air masses, forcing them to rise and resulting in more precipitation in the mountainous regions.

The amount of precipitation in Afghanistan varies with topography. The southwestern arid region typically receives less than 150 mm of precipitation annually, while the northeastern mountain range experiences more than 1,000 mm. The type and amount of precipitation are influenced by complex interactions between different wind patterns, including westerly winds, orographic precipitation, and monsoon winds.

The dry conditions in the south of Afghanistan have significant implications for the country's agriculture and water access. Below-normal rainfall and drought conditions can severely impact both rain-fed and irrigated agriculture, as well as drinking water availability.

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