Snow is expected in places like Canada, Russia, and the northern U.S., but sometimes it falls in the most unexpected locations. From the Sahara Desert to tropical beaches, these freak snowfalls stunned locals and puzzled scientists.
Here are 10 of the strangest places where it has ever snowed—and why it happened!
1. The Sahara Desert (Multiple Times!)
The Sahara Desert, one of the hottest places on Earth, has seen several snowfalls, most recently in 2022.
Why it happened:
- Cold air from Europe sometimes pushes south, bringing unusually low temperatures.
- When moist air from the Atlantic mixes with cold air over the desert, snow can form instead of rain.
2. Los Angeles, California (1949 & 2023)
LA is known for sunshine and beaches, but in 1949, the city had a rare snowfall of up to 2 inches. More recently, in 2023, snow and graupel (snow pellets) fell in higher elevations.
Why it happened:
- A cold Arctic air mass pushed south.
- Low-pressure systems created moisture, turning into snow at lower elevations than usual.
3. Baghdad, Iraq (2008 & 2022)
In 2008, Baghdad saw its first snowfall in recorded history, and it happened again in 2022. The snow didn’t stick, but it amazed residents.
Why it happened:
- A rare polar air mass moved into the Middle East.
- Iraq’s winters can be cool, but snow requires just the right combination of moisture and cold air—which happened twice in recent decades.
4. The Atacama Desert, Chile (2011)
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, but in 2011, up to 32 inches (80 cm) of snow blanketed the region.
Why it happened:
- A cold front from Antarctica brought freezing temperatures.
- Unusual moisture from the Pacific Ocean provided just enough precipitation for snow instead of rain.
5. Miami, Florida (1977)
On January 19, 1977, flurries fell in Miami, the only confirmed snowfall in city history.
Why it happened:
- A historic cold wave moved deep into the southern U.S.
- Miami’s temperature dropped to 30°F (-1°C), allowing light snowflakes to form before quickly melting.
6. The Brazilian Tropics (2013)
Brazil is famous for its rainforests and warm beaches, but in 2013, snow fell in over 100 towns across southern Brazil.
Why it happened:
- A strong cold front from Antarctica pushed north.
- The high elevation in parts of southern Brazil helped the snow stick.
7. The United Arab Emirates (2004, 2017, 2021)
Snow in the UAE? It has happened several times, mainly in the mountains near Jebel Jais, the country’s highest peak.
Why it happened:
- Cold air from Central Asia occasionally reaches the UAE.
- The high elevation of Jebel Jais (over 6,000 feet) allows for rare snowfalls.
8. Southern Texas (2004 & 2017)
Texas gets occasional snow in the north, but in 2004, a Christmas Eve snowstorm hit Houston, Corpus Christi, and even parts of the Mexico border. Then in 2021, a deadly winter storm froze the entire state.
Why it happened:
- A strong cold front from Canada dipped far south.
- Moist Gulf air provided the precipitation needed for snowfall.
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9. The African Tropics – Johannesburg, South Africa (2012)
Johannesburg is in a warm part of Africa, yet in 2012, it saw a rare snowfall. The city hadn’t seen significant snow in over 50 years!
Why it happened:
- A low-pressure system moved through South Africa.
- Cold Antarctic air met moisture from the Indian Ocean, producing a rare dusting of snow.
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10. Hawaii’s Volcanoes (Almost Every Year!)
Hawaii is known for beaches and warm weather, but its tallest mountains—Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa—get snow almost every winter.
Why it happens:
- These volcanoes rise over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters).
- Cold air at high altitudes allows for snowfall, even in tropical Hawaii!
Final Thoughts
Snow is usually found in cold climates, but the right mix of temperature, elevation, and moisture can bring snowfall to even the most unexpected places.
Have you ever seen snow in a surprising location? Share your story in the comments!
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