Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a climatologist specializing in global temperature patterns and climate change. I've spent years researching and analyzing data from across the globe, so I can confidently address your question about Africa and its temperature.

While Africa is often perceived as the hottest continent, this is a misconception. The hottest continent, based on average annual temperatures, is actually Australia. It's true that parts of Africa experience extremely high temperatures, particularly in the Sahara Desert, but Australia holds the overall average temperature record.

Here's why:

* Average Temperature: Australia's average annual temperature is significantly higher than Africa's. A large portion of Australia experiences a desert climate with scorching temperatures, pushing the average up.
* Landmass Distribution: Africa, despite having a vast landmass, has a diverse range of climates. While the Sahara Desert dominates a portion of the continent, there are also areas with cooler temperatures, such as the highlands of Ethiopia and the coastal regions. This diversity in climates balances out the overall average temperature.
* Ocean Currents: Australia is surrounded by warm ocean currents that significantly influence its climate. The East Australian Current, for instance, transports warm water from the tropics, contributing to the overall high temperatures.
* Elevation: While the Sahara Desert in Africa has vast stretches of low elevation, Australia has a more varied topography, including mountainous regions. These highlands have a cooling effect on the average temperature.

It's important to note that while Australia holds the title of the hottest continent, Africa does have the hottest recorded temperature on Earth. In 1922, a scorching 136°F (58°C) was recorded in Libya, a country in Africa. This record-breaking temperature highlights the extreme heat that can be experienced in parts of the continent.

Therefore, when considering the hottest continent, it's crucial to focus on average temperature over an extended period. Based on this metric, Australia emerges as the winner. While Africa might boast some of the highest recorded temperatures, its diverse climates and geographical features result in a lower overall average temperature.

Remember, climate is a complex system influenced by many factors, and generalizations can be misleading.
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Africa is the hottest continent on earth; dry lands and deserts comprise 60% of the entire land surface. The Sahara Desert (including its satellite deserts) is the world's largest hot desert, and temperature above 37.78 --C (100 --F) are common. ... Rainfall is sparse and summer temperatures run high.read more >>