August sees a further increase in rainfall, reaching a yearly high of 174mm (6.85"). There's a palpable softening in the environment as the rains continue to pepper the city. Puddles appearing on the city streets provide a surreal reflection of the city's architecture and daily hustle.
N'Djamena, typically associated with arid climate and dusty scenarios, now reveals an almost tropical side.
Temperature
N'Djamena's temperature records reveal August as the coldest month, marked by average highs of 31.6°C (88.9°F) and lows of 22.4°C (72.3°F).
Heat index
August's average heat index is appraised at a blistering 41°C (105.8°F). More preventive actions are needed, risk of heat exhaustion and heat cramps is significant. Prolonged activity may trigger heatstroke.
Heat index details are generally centered around shaded locations and a mild breeze. Heat index values have the potential to be boosted by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees due to direct sunlight.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'feels like' or 'apparent temperature', quantifies the warmth felt when relative humidity is considered. An individual's perception of weather can be influenced by a variety of factors including metabolic differences, being pregnant, and their degree of physical exertion. Taking into account that direct sunlight can boost the heat effect, the heat index may rise by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values remain especially vital for babies and toddlers. Youths are typically more endangered than adults since they usually sweat less. Their larger skin surface concerning their smaller bodies and higher heat production due to activity further adds to their vulnerability.
The physiological way the human body responds to excessive heat is by inducing perspiration, using sweat evaporation as a cooling mechanism. Excessive relative humidity disturbs the body's typical cooling process by reducing evaporation, leading to a decrease in body cooling rate and an increase in the sensation of warmth. When heat gain surpasses the level the body can shed, body temperature begins to increase, and consequently, overheating and dehydration can occur, with varying severity.
Humidity
The most humid month in N'Djamena is August, with an average relative humidity of 76%.
Rainfall
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 15 days and accumulates 174mm (6.85") of precipitation.
Daylight
In August, the average length of the day in N'Djamena is 12h and 31min.
On the first day of August in N'Djamena, sunrise is at 05:46 and sunset at 18:25. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 05:49 and sunset at 18:10 WAT.
Sunshine
The month with the least sunshine in N'Djamena is August, with an average of 6.5h of sunshine.
UV index
February through
September, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in N'Djamena. A UV Index reading of 11, and higher, represents an excessive health risk from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: The maximum UV index of 12 during August translates into these guidelines:
Enforce all necessary precautions, unprotected skin might burn swiftly. The Sun's UV radiation is most powerful between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To the extent possible, limit exposure to the direct sun during these hours. Fend off the sun's harsh rays with appropriate clothing, a wide-brim hat, and UV-protective sunglasses. Post an outdoor workout or swimming, a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen should be applied generously and frequently.