Incredible photos show Sahara Desert covered in snow in rare phenomenon

By MiNDFOOD

Incredible photos show Sahara Desert covered in snow in rare phenomenon
The world's largest desert has been blanketed in snow in a rare phenomenon that has only occurred a few times in the past 42 years.

Temperatures dropped below freezing in the Sahara Desert overnight, which saw the giant sand dunes covered in a dusting of snow.

The incredible images, captured by photographer Karim Bouchetata, show ice and snow creating patterns in the desert sands around the northwestern Algerian town of Ain Sefra.

Known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert, Ain Sefra is 1,000 metres above sea level and surrounded by the Atlas Mountains.

 

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A post shared by Karim Bouchetata (@karim_bouchetat)


While a rare occurrence, it is not the first time snow has fallen in the town. In the past 42 years, about five snowfalls have occurred in the desert town, the most recent being last year. Other snowfalls were recorded in 2018, 2017 and 1979.

In 2021, North Africa saw extreme temperatures in summer and winter, with camels seen surrounded by snow.

 

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A post shared by Karim Bouchetata (@karim_bouchetat)

It is normal for temperatures in the desert to dropped significantly overnight, though usually any snowfall is melted the next day. In this instance, cold air high-pressure systems cause lower temperatures, picking up moisture which then cools to snow.

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