Vast swathes of Kuwait's desert have been swamped with temporary 'lakes' following the heavy rains of November last year. Two months later. Much of the desert is covered with a 'hardpan calcareous layer (locally called gatch)" that does prevents the absorption of water. As a consequence, many of these lakes will likely remain until warmer temperatures and evaporation pulls out the water.

Examples of these temporary lakes can be found in the far desert areas, near Nuwaiseeb border area, along the road to Wafra and other places. Though some people have set up camps near these bodies of water, they should be viewed with caution as stagnant water can become a breeding ground for mosquitos, parasites and bacteria.

• Photos by Joseph Shagra / Jamie Etheridge