Pictures Show People Rejoicing As Rare Snowfall Carpets All Of Baghdad, First Time In 12 Years
Baghdad woke up carpeted in white by only its second snowfall in a century. The temperature hovered around freezing point and the snow mostly melted into grey puddles when it hit the ground. Delighted residents declared it an omen of peace.
The Iraqi capital of Baghdad woke up carpeted in white by only its second snowfall in a century. The last recorded snowfall in the city was in 2008.
Delighted residents declared it an omen of peace. "It is the first time we've seen snow in Baghdad," 60-year-old Hassan Zahar told Reuters.
Iraq has grappled with months of unrest, beginning with an anti-government protest movement which engulfed the country in October, and the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general in Baghdad in early January,
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"We've seen sleet before, but never snow. I looked at the faces of all the people, they were astonished," he said. "A few minutes ago, I was covered with snowflakes. In my hair, on my shoulders. I invite all the people to enjoy peace, because the snow means peace," he said.
#1
Snow-covered palm trees are a sight to see ? pic.twitter.com/WmRFbVJQmD
¡ª Hassan Hadad (@Abufellah) February 11, 2020
#2
Snow in Baghdad today, the first time in a very long time ?? pic.twitter.com/exaSsejBlj
¡ª Hanan (@hananjx) February 11, 2020
#3
Snow moment in #Baghdad I guess this the first time Baghdad got snow on it ! #Baghdadsnow #snow pic.twitter.com/1gI8uDC52h
¡ª Mustafa ????? ?? (@msiq88) February 11, 2020
#4
We¡¯re so simple and kindness people,today morning the snow fall n ??? our joyful n happiness when we saw this view and for the first time for a while at Baghdad ??? makes everyone of us happy n imagine ourselves as we in Europe ? GOD blessed iraq ?? and his people ??
¡ª Mustafa Al-Alawi ?? (@Mustafa_Al3lawi) February 11, 2020
#snow pic.twitter.com/XwL4w4xCyQ
#5
The riverfront is wearing #snow white?????????¡â?
¡ª ????? ?????? Safwan Al-Madany (@safwan_almadany) February 10, 2020
Old city - #Mosul - #Iraq #snowday pic.twitter.com/hczX9F45Cg
The temperature hovered around freezing point and the snow mostly melted into grey puddles when it hit the ground.
Traffic policeman Murtadha Fadhil, huddling under a balcony to keep dry, declared the snow "a new sign of the new Iraq." "It's a sign of hope. We hope Iraqis will purify their hearts and politicians will work for the prosperity of all Iraqis."
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist, Jason Nicholls, explaining the reason for this rarity - he said it was due to cold air from western Russia traveling in the upper levels of the atmosphere and making its way to the city.
Snow is commonly seen in the northern part of Iraq, particularly in the mountainous areas. For most citizens in Baghdad, it is a rare sight.
