Rare snowstorm hits Earth’s driest desert in Atacama, Chile

Snow blanketed the Atacama Desert in Chile on June 26, affecting the regions of Tarapaca, Antofagasta, and Atacama. This weather event was triggered by the unusual combination of cold air, a high-altitude front, and low pressure over the Pacific Ocean. Known as the driest desert in the world, the Atacama does not see snowfall on a yearly basis.

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Observatory, located at 2 900 m (9 515 feet) on the Chajnantor Plateau, reported snow accumulation at its main facility.

While snow occasionally falls at elevations above 5 000 m (16 404 feet) in this region, snowfall at the ALMA site is not a common sight. According to observatory staff, this is the first measurable snow at the facility in nearly 10 years.

Snow and associated storm conditions extended to lower elevations, including towns near San Pedro de Atacama.

Local officials in Tarapaca, Antofagasta, and Atacama regions closed schools and warned of flash flooding due to concurrent rainfall and snowmelt. Roads were blocked by snowdrifts and landslides on mountain routes near the border with Argentina, stranding some travelers for whom rescue operations are underway.

Wind gusts exceeded 100 km/h (62 mph) in some areas, and rainfall accompanied the snowfall at lower altitudes. These conditions caused temporary blackouts and infrastructure strain, prompting emergency services to be activated to clear roads and assist stranded vehicles. No casualties have been reported so far.

A similar event occurred in July 2011, when snowfall reached up to 80 cm (31.5 inches) in parts of the desert. Atacama also recorded significant snowfall in 2021 during the months of May and August.

Harsh Vardhan

My passions include trying my best to save a dying planet, be it through carpooling or by spreading awareness about it. Research comes naturally to me, complemented by a keen interest in writing and journalism. Guided by a curious mind and a drive to look beyond the surface, I strive to bring thoughtful attention and clarity to subjects across Earth, sciences, environment, and everything in between.

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