Leave sweltering region? (6)

I believe the answer is:

desert

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This might be a double definition.

'leave' is the first definition.
(desert can mean to leave or abandon)

'sweltering region?' is the second definition.
'desert' can be an answer for 'region?' (desert is a kind of region). I am unsure of the 'sweltering' bit.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for desert that I've seen before include "Leave behind - waste" , "Abandon in barren terrain" , "Abandon; barren waste" , "Abandon in arid place" , "Defect, forsake" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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