We all think about hot weather, no water and shining sun when we think about deserts. Don't we? But ever heard about snowfall in a Desert?
In a unique occurrence, there has been a snowfall in the Sahara Desert this month.
What made snow fall in the Sahara Desert?
After temperatures plummeted below zero in Ain Sefra, Algeria, snow and ice were found on the dunes of the Atlas Mountains, known as the “gateway to the desert”. Global warming could play a role in odd weather in the Sahara.
Another possible reason behind such rare occurrence can be the impact of high-pressure systems of cold air that have moved overland to the deserts, causing lower temperatures.
Where did it occur?
Snowfall was recorded near the town of Ain Sefra in northwest Algeria, where temperatures fell to -2C. The area is 1,000 meters above sea level and lies in the Naama province of Algeria in the northern part of the Sahara, close to the Moroccan border.
Has it ever happened before?
The only 5 recorded incidences of snow in Ain Sefra were in 1979, 2017, 2018 and 2021 in the last 40 years.
The snowfall is rare but not unprecedented as it has sometimes seen snow before. However, the overall phenomenon is quite rare. The snowfall has created stunning patterns in the sand dunes and after mixing with the bright orange colour of the sand, the scenery looked mesmerising and ethereal.
Although the Sahara is very dry today, it is expected to become green again in about 15,000 years.
Revelers took photos of themselves playing the snow and enjoying the rare situation, BBC reported.
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