Weather in Kabul

I am often asked about the weather. Some of the questions make me laugh; they are usually from people that mistakenly believe that I am living in a desert, a la "Lawrence of Arabia." While there are portions of western Afg that share the appearance of Larry's neighborhood, I live in a high mountain valley completely surrounded by towering peaks. (For you Ellensburg readers, it looks extraordinarily similar to the Kittitas Valley, except over three times higher.) The weather is undoubtedly warm, but the simple temperature is misleading. At an elevation of 6,000 feet (~1,800 meters for my more science-empowered readers), the solar intensity is noticeably higher. There is a reason that Afghans looks so much older than their chronological years. Also, using yesterday as an example, there is virtually no humidity in the air. By mid-day yesterday, the humidity was only 8 percent and the temperature was around 90 degrees F. The result is similar to working and living in a giant dehumidifier. Add to that a constant breeze and Viola! My northern European roots guarantee that I stay in a constant state of a pinkish hue.