The internet buzzed with excitement when images surfaced, seemingly depicting the majestic Giza Pyramids near Cairo cloaked in a layer of snow. One particular photograph was retweeted nearly 10,000 times, fueling the wonder of witnessing such a rare event.
However, while the allure of snow-covered pyramids is captivating, it's essential to discern fact from fiction. Let's delve into the truth behind these viral images.
The Reality of the Snowy Pyramids Photo
Unlike some deceptive images circulating online, such as the miniature Sphinx replica photo, the picture of the Giza Pyramids does exist. However, the photo purports to show Egypt’s pyramids covered in a blanket of snow, but there is evidence it has been manipulated.
Even the edited version dates back to at least a year ago, long before it is claimed the snap was taken. The buildings seen in the background of the photo are the old city of Cairo.
Rare Snowfall in Egypt: A Glimpse of Truth
It's important to note that snow really did fall on Friday in nearby New Cairo City. Egyptians woke up to a light covering of snow for the first time in more than a century.
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Photographs of the freak weather spread quickly online through the weekend - including one of a confused camel lying down in the snow. However, the wintry weather wasn't enough to cover Egypt's most famous monuments, the Pyramids or the Sphinx.
Debunking Misleading Images
Many misleading posts have circulated alongside the altered images. For example, the photo of an ice-covered sphinx was in fact taken in the Chinese city of Harbin in 2013. Another image in the misleading posts shows a man wearing a keffiyeh in the desert. Camels can be seen in the background of the photo.
Another photo purports to show Egypt’s pyramids covered in a blanket of snow, but there is evidence it has been manipulated.
Egypt's Climate: A Desert Landscape
Cairo is considered a desert climate with "virtually no rainfall during the year", typically receiving rain on only a handful of days during winter months, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
"Does it snow in Egypt?" I would guess that snow is unknown in much of Egypt. It is too dry and too mild for any more than rare falls of snow. In fact, I would say that south-central Sinai, with mountains rising to 7,000 or 8,000 feet, is likely the best place to see snow without leaving Egypt.
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Snow in egypt in 180sec
Identifying Altered Images
The image, video, or audio content has been edited or synthesised beyond adjustments for clarity or quality, in ways that could mislead people. This definition includes splicing, but not media excerpts or taking media out of context.
A reverse image search shows the unaltered image, including identical shadows, which was used on the cover of an Insight Guides tourism map for Cairo published as far back as 2000.
Table: Key Facts About Snow in Egypt
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Rare Snowfall | Occasional light snow in areas like New Cairo City. |
| Pyramids Coverage | Snowfall is typically not heavy enough to cover the Pyramids or Sphinx. |
| Climate Type | Cairo has a desert climate with minimal rainfall. |
| Higher Altitudes | South-central Sinai mountains are the most likely place to see snow in Egypt. |
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