The hottest part of Australia is generally considered to be the interior, specifically the western deserts and the Northern Territory.
These regions experience extremely high temperatures, especially during the summer months (December to February). The Gibson Desert, the Great Victoria Desert, and the Tanami Desert are known for their scorching heat.
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Australia was 50.7°C (123.3°F), measured at Oodnadatta in South Australia on January 2, 1960.
While the interior is the hottest region overall, coastal areas can also experience high temperatures, especially during summer. However, the coastal regions benefit from sea breezes which help to moderate temperatures.
Here are some factors that contribute to the high temperatures in the Australian interior:
- Low rainfall and humidity: The interior is a very dry region with low rainfall and humidity. This lack of moisture allows the sun's rays to penetrate the earth's surface more easily, resulting in higher temperatures.
- High solar radiation: Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, and the interior is situated in a region that receives a high amount of solar radiation.
- Lack of cloud cover: The interior often experiences clear skies with minimal cloud cover, allowing the sun to heat the ground directly.
- Low vegetation cover: The interior has sparse vegetation, which does not provide much shade or cooling effect.
- Continental climate: Australia's vast size and geographical location contribute to a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters.
It's important to note that the hottest part of Australia can vary depending on the specific time of year and the location. However, the interior deserts generally experience the highest temperatures throughout the year.
