the eritrean highlands are a mountainous region in central eritrea. bordered to the south by the mareb river, it is a northern continuation of the ethiopian highlands. the region has seen tremendous deforestation since the colonial period, which began in the late 19th century. the highlands are at particular risk of deforestation and associated soil erosion. furthermore, the region, lying south of the sahel are at particular risk of desertification and frequent drought. the highlands experience, as most tropical regions, two seasons; the rainy season ("kremti") is from june-september while the dry season is from september to june. the average temperature for asmara, which is above sea level is approximately 16°c, but other places range from about 10°c to 25°c.