Snow in Lesotho and South Africa

Heavy snow fell over eastern South Africa and Lesotho during the final week of July 2004. As can be seen in this Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) image, acquired on July 29, by the Aqua satellite, the snow extended much further than the peaks of the mountains where it typically falls in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter. The spine of the mountain range is highlighted by the snow, forming a slanted question mark against the brown winter landscape. The unusual snowfall trapped hundreds of motorists in mountain passes and knocked out power and telephone service across the region, according to local news reports.

---

Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC

Published July 29, 2004
Data acquired July 29, 2004

Source:

Aqua > MODIS

Collection:

Visible Earth