Africans celebrate snowfall in Cameroon

Social media erupted in April 21, 2025, after videos claimed heavy snowfall occurred in Cameroon, the Central part of Africa.

Residents were seen celebrating as white patches blanketed parts of the ground in what many believed was snow.

In a viral social media video, some users described the event as “European-style snowfall” hitting the Central Africa for the first time.

Some clips from the videos also showed jubilant crowds playing in the icy layer, suggesting a historic weather phenomenon.

However, meteorologists and experts around the globe has countered the viral claims making waves.

They insist that what Cameroonians witnessed was likely a hailstorm, not snow.

Meteorologist also appointed to similar incidents in Cameroon’s past misreported as snowfall.

In September 2021, residents of Bana in western Cameroon had a similar experience and claims.

It was gathered that the white ground cover was confirmed by scientists as hail, not snow.

Sylvain Aoudou Doua of the University of Maroua led the earlier investigation.

He explained that Bana’s altitude of 2,000 meters allows for strong atmospheric convection.

She added that convection, when combined with sudden temperature drops, can trigger hail formation.

Hailstorms, while rare, are not impossible in Cameroon’s highland zones.

Snow, however, remains unlikely due to the country’s tropical climate.

Research has showed that the average temperatures across most of Cameroon range from 24°C to 28°C in the month of April.

Furthermore, experts noted that such temperatures do not support snow formation, especially at lower altitudes.

Cameroon which is near the equator, where snowfall is virtually unknown outside high mountains.

While this event sparked excitement and outrage online, experts has urge public caution in misinformation.

They also advise verifying such claims with meteorological agencies before concluding it was snow.

As of April’s end, no credible agency has confirmed true snowfall in Cameroon.

Historically, some African countries have experienced genuine snowfall.

In South Africa, snow regularly falls in parts of the Drakensberg Mountains during winter months.

The Kingdom of Lesotho, entirely landlocked by South Africa, sees frequent snowfall in highland regions.

Lesotho’s elevation—over 1,400 meters above sea level—makes it Africa’s highest-altitude country.

Morocco, in North Africa, also records snow, especially in the Atlas Mountains.

Ski resorts in areas like Oukaïmeden attract tourists seeking winter sports.

Algeria, another North African country, has recorded snow in the Saharan town of Ain Sefra.

Snow fell there as recently as 2022, astonishing many across the globe.

Kenya, though on the equator, sees snow atop Mount Kenya, its highest peak.

Similarly, Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro holds snow and glaciers year-round, though they are shrinking.

Experts explain that snow in Africa is not impossible, but highly altitude-dependent.

Countries with high mountains or temperate zones experience snow more consistently.

Cameroon, while mountainous in parts, lacks the extreme altitudes of the Kilimanjaro or Atlas ranges.

The April 2025 viral excitement highlights a broader curiosity about African climate shifts.

Scientists warn that climate change may increase extreme weather events, including hailstorms and floods.

They urge investment in meteorological infrastructure to improve public awareness and data accuracy.

As of now, Cameroon remains a country more familiar with tropical rain than icy snowflakes.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook