Snow falls in Algeria's Sahara Desert

Posted by Fernande Dalal on Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Shutterstock Picture dated January 8th shows a covering of snow and ice in the Sahara Desert near Ain Sefra in northwestern Algeria.Shutterstock

Snow has fallen in the Sahara Desert in north-western Algeria as temperatures plummeted to below freezing.

Shutterstock Picture dated January 6th shows a covering of snow in the Sahara Desert near Mekalis in northwestern Algeria.Shutterstock

For children from nearby towns such as Mekalis, it was a welcome relief from the scorching heat of the world's largest hot desert.

Shutterstock Picture dated January 8th shows a covering of snow and ice in the Sahara Desert near Ain Sefra in northwestern Algeria.Shutterstock

The ice crystals formed stunning patterns in the desert sands.

Shutterstock Picture dated January 8th shows a covering of snow and ice in the Sahara Desert near Ain Sefra in northwestern Algeria.Shutterstock

Dunes - ideal for sliding - were also partially covered by the snow and ice.

Shutterstock Picture dated January 8th shows a covering of snow and ice in the Sahara Desert near Ain Sefra in northwestern Algeria.Shutterstock

The snow in the town of Ain Sefra - known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert - was only a light dusting.

Shutterstock Picture dated January 8th shows a covering of snow and ice in the Sahara Desert near Ain Sefra in northwestern Algeria.Shutterstock

Temperatures in the town, which is surrounded by the Atlas mountains, dropped below -2 for the last three nights but this is only a few degrees colder than average at this time of year, says BBC Weather's Nicky Berry.

Shutterstock Picture dated January 6th shows a covering of snow in the Sahara Desert near Mekalis in northwestern Algeria.Shutterstock

The snow was not a complete surprise - there were also falls in 2021, 2018 and 2017.

Shutterstock Snow in the Sahara desert near the town of Ain Sefra, Algeria Snow in the Sahara Desert, Ain Sefra, Algeria - 20 Dec 2016Shutterstock

But the snow on the red sand dunes in December 2016 did come as a shock. Residents of Ain Sefra said that it was the first time since 1979 they had seen snow, suggesting the phenomenon is now becoming more common.

All images are subject to copyright

Algeria

Related

Ivory Coast and Nigeria climb in world rankings

Sport Africa

The winners and losers from memorable Afcon finals

Sport Africa

Everything you need to know about Afcon 2023

Sport AfricaBBC in other languages

Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved.  The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

 

HomeNewsNewsIsrael-Gaza WarWar in UkraineWorldWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUKUKEnglandN. IrelandScotlandWalesIn PicturesBBC VerifySportBusinessBusinessFuture of BusinessTechnology of BusinessWork CultureMarket DataInnovationInnovationTechnologyScience & HealthArtificial IntelligenceCultureCultureFilm & TVMusicArt & DesignStyleBooksEntertainment NewsTravelTravelDestinationsWorld’s TableCulture & ExperiencesAdventuresThe SpeciaListEarthEarthNatural WondersWeather & ScienceClimate SolutionsSustainable BusinessGreen LivingVideoLiveLiveLive NewsLive SportAudio

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o67CZ5qopV%2Bjsri%2FjrCmq6SUYq6nvsicmGZuYGWBdn2UbA%3D%3D

CATALOG
    FEATURED TAGS