January 13, 2021, Aïn Sefra, Algeria,

The Sahara desert has

been hit by an icy blast with temperatures dipping below freezing. 

Photographer Karim Bouchetata took incredible photos of ice covering the sand in the small Saharan desert town.

Sheep were seen standing on the ice-covered dunes on Wednesday as temperatures dipped to 26.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Aïn Séfra — known as “The Gateway to the Desert” — is around 3,280 feet above sea level and surrounded by the Atlas Mountains.

© Karim Bouchetata