Parts of the Sahara desert experienced a rare episode of snowfall on Tuesday, covering dunes in a 16-inch layer of snow, the Independent reported on Tuesday. As temperatures rose during the course of the day, the snow began to melt.
This is the third time it has snowed in 37 years in the Algerian town of Ain Sefra. Records showed that the town experienced snowfall in 1979, 2016 and 2017.
A view of a rare sight in the Sahara desert Credit: Trip&Travel blog/Facebook
Although snow is rare, freezing conditions do occur as the town is located between the desert and the Atlas mountains, Reuters reported.
WATCH: Snow reaches the Sahara, the hottest desert in the world https://t.co/pJfF6mVMy3 via @ReutersTV pic.twitter.com/SHTz7fwzkD
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) January 9, 2018
Rare snowstorm blankets parts of the Sahara desert in up to 16 inches of snow. pic.twitter.com/0KpnYyucxM
— BBC Weather (@bbcweather) January 9, 2018
The unexpected snowfall, however, left unprepared commuters stranded on roads temporarily, Forbes reported.
The Sahara Desert turns into a stunning snow scene for the second time in 40 years. https://t.co/5ZQsaN3LCe pic.twitter.com/drkDYpqX6o
— Ed Piotrowski (@EdPiotrowski) January 9, 2018
