Saudi Arabia, a nation globally associated with extreme heat and arid deserts, recently experienced an extraordinary winter spell marked by snowfall, heavy rain, and freezing temperatures. The rare weather event left residents amazed while prompting authorities to issue safety advisories across multiple regions.
Snowfall transforms northern landscapes
In a striking shift from the norm, snowfall was reported in northern Saudi Arabia, dramatically altering the rugged terrain of Tabuk Province. High-altitude areas, including Jebel Al-Lawz, which rises to about 2,600 metres, were covered in a white blanket. Trojena, a mountainous destination in the region, witnessed snow accompanied by light rain, creating scenes more reminiscent of alpine destinations than the Arabian Peninsula.
The Hail Region also experienced snowfall, including areas around Hail city, an exceptionally rare phenomenon for the country.
Temperatures drop below freezing
Early morning temperatures plunged below 0°C in several locations, allowing snow to settle on elevated surfaces and open terrain. According to meteorological officials, these freezing conditions were caused by a strong cold air mass pushing into central and northern Saudi Arabia.
Widespread rainfall across regions
Alongside snowfall, multiple regions recorded rainfall of varying intensity. Light to moderate showers were observed in areas such as Bir Bin Hermas, Al-Ayinah, Ammar, Shaqra, and AlUla Governorate. Meanwhile, Riyadh, Qassim, and parts of the Eastern Province experienced moderate to heavy rain, raising concerns about flash flooding in low-lying areas.
Snowfall was also confirmed in Al-Majmaah and Al-Ghat, north of the capital, where it accumulated on higher ground.
Authorities issue safety warnings
The National Centre for Meteorology stated that the unusual conditions resulted from the interaction between cold air currents and rain-bearing cloud systems. Officials warned that low temperatures were likely to persist, especially in northern and central regions. Residents were advised to drive cautiously and avoid valleys susceptible to flooding.
Climate change and rising weather extremes
Images and videos of snow-covered Saudi mountains quickly went viral, drawing crowds eager to witness the rare sight. However, experts note that while such events are driven by specific atmospheric conditions, their increasing frequency highlights broader concerns about climate change.
