Buenos Aires picked up snow for the first time in nearly 100 years

Thousands of Argentinians yesterday (July 9) came out to celebrate after the first snowfall fell on Buenos Aires capital since 1918.

The snow fell on the Argentine capital for a few hours, forming a white, thin and spongy layer. According to experts, this phenomenon occurs after cold air masses from Antarctica collide with low moisture-rich masses that have created snow covering higher areas in the western and central parts of the country.

Snow falls on the occasion of Argentina celebrating National Day, increasing the festive atmosphere throughout Buenos Aires. The radio broadcasts a classic tango song entitled "What a night!" which was composed for the snowstorm in 1918.

In the streets of the capital, the children scratched the snow covered cars and played snowballs. Drivers drove horns loudly, some even squeezed small snowmen on their hoods. "In my whole life, this is the first time I've ever seen snow falling in Buenos Aires," said Juana Benitez, 82, while playing with the children with snow.

A pedestrian was watching snow in Buenos Aires on July 9.

Argentina's national meteorological agency said it was the first heavy snowfall in Buenos Aires since June 22, 1918, although it still has periodic hail for decades.

"This is a phenomenon that happens every 100 years. It's difficult to predict," meteorological forecaster Hector Ciappesoni told La Nacion.

Snow showers after Buenos Aires suffered the most severe cold in the past 40 years with temperatures below freezing levels at the end of May. This cold spell contributed to an energy crisis. and killed 23 people.

Here are some photos of the first snowfall since 1918 in Buenos Aires: