Snow in Baghdad -- believe it or not

BAGHDAD, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- For the first time in this century -- perhaps in living memory -- it snowed in Baghdad Friday.

The fluffy white stuff melted when it hit the ground, but it was snow, not sleet or hail or rain, The New York Times reported.

Ahmad Fadam, an Iraqi employee for the Times, used his cell phone to send a video shot to his employer and told the Times' blog, The Lede, "to see snow falling in Baghdad, the scene was very joyful and I felt peace coming. I think it is a first in Baghdad ... ."

Fadam said people on Baghdad streets were amazed at what they saw and offered up a variety of explanations. January traditionally is the coldest month in Iraq, but temperatures range from the low 40s to low 60s.

"But in the end they all agreed that it was beautiful and full of peace," Fadam said. "Maybe it is a sign of God, maybe it will heal the wounds of the Iraqis and make them live peacefully again."