Hot deserts (B1) are, however, mainly found in those zones of almost permanent high pressure and clear skies between about 20 and 35 degrees latitude. Deserts such as the Sahara and the Arabian are the result of the global pattern of air circulation. Dry air descends over these regions bringing clear skies and hot sunshine. Hot deserts such as these have little rain in any season and no real cold weather although temperature drops sharply at night due to the clear skies. Sand or rocks in direct sunlight will easily reach 60-70°C (140-160°F).

There are a few hot deserts that have derived from local factors. The west coast dry zones of southern Africa and South America are made even drier by the cool ocean currents flowing along their coastlines.

In semi-desert (B2) or tropical steppe areas, such as the drier parts of India and the Sahel region of Africa, the rain can fail several years in succession, causing severe drought.

Not all deserts are hot; some are cool or even cold. Cold deserts (B3) occur in higher latitudes in the interior of large continents. The best examples are parts of central Asia and western China where although very hot in summer, are bitterly cold in winter.

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