In pictures: Snow Falls In Algeria’s Sahara Desert
Snow has fallen in the Sahara Desert in north-western Algeria as temperatures plummeted to below freezing.
For children from nearby towns such as Mekalis, it was a welcome relief from the scorching heat of the world’s largest hot desert.
The ice crystals formed stunning patterns in the desert sands.
Dunes – ideal for sliding – were also partially covered by the snow and ice.
The snow in the town of Ain Sefra – known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert – was only a light dusting.
IMAGE SOURCE,SHUTTERSTOCKTemperatures 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.
IMAGE SOURCE,SHUTTERSTOCKThe snow was not a complete surprise – there were also falls in 2021, 2018 and 2017.
IMAGE SOURCE,SHUTTERSTOCKBut 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.