Once again, the largest hot desert and the third largest desert in the world, Sahara has experienced an erratic episode of snowfall on Tuesday. The unusual element about this weather activity is that the snow melts within hours as the temperatures mount.
It is the third time in nearly 40 years that the Sahara has witnessed snowfall. Records show that the region has experienced snow last in 1979, 2016 and 2018.
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It is the region where Western Disturbances actually originates. Moreover, to the north, the Sahara skirts the Mediterranean Sea, while to the west is the Atlantic Ocean. The region has east-west oriented mountain range, Atlas Mountains, with an elevation of 3000-4500 ft. To add a zing to it, the enduring weather in the nearby European region like Spain and Italy also plays a part. So snow is rare, but not unprecedented.
What is unusual is that deserts are habitually known for the persistent heat and extreme hot weather during the summers, and as Sahara observed snowfall, it could not have been more breath taking. The area is around 1,000 m above sea level and Ain Sefra is located at 3280 ft.
Being the third largest desert in the world with 3,600,000 sq. mi. in area, the desert covers most of the North Africa. This is certainly one of the rare natural weather occurrences that need a wide recognition among the masses.
Below are some outstanding images of the snowfall in Sahara:
