Rare snowfall turns Saudi Arabia’s desert mountains winter white — watch videos |
The northern Saudi Arabian desert region saw an unusual snowfall on December 18. The Tabuk region’s mountaintops, particularly Jabal Al-Lawz, or Almond Mountain in English, were covered in a thick layer of snow that turned them white. As images and videos were posted on social media, responses started to come in from all around the world. At 2,580 meters above sea level, it was alpine rather than desert, resembling snow-capped summits in Europe.
Snowfall blankets northern Saudi Arabia
As per the reports, multiple towns in the north of Saudi Arabia saw snow for the first time in a winter weather phenomenon on December 18, which surprised many, including locals and visitors. Snow dusted almost everything, from mountainous terrain and high desert to sand dunes, changing the normally arid landscape of the region for a day. The snow was caused by a powerful cold air system that moved in and rapidly chilled things out. Temperatures in certain places dipped to as low as minus 4 degrees Celsius (24.8 degrees Fahrenheit), with other areas of the Kingdom being swept by rain. The conditions were a far cry from Saudi Arabia’s typical desert weather. Footage of neighbourhood residents donning their winter gear and walking through the streets in Lebanon’s capital with many playing around in snow, as well as camels and cars traversing snowy roads, rapidly spread across social media, documenting the magnitude of the occasion.Read more: Indigo flight cancellation status December 20 – Check full list
Areas affected
The snow was most visible in higher, northern areas that would sometimes get winter systems:Jabal Al-Lawz (Tabuk Province): The mountains were covered in snow (but thick fog and heavy winds).Tabuk region and surrounding highlands Snow blanketed much of the desert landscape in a cold snap not often seen here.Hail Region: Snowfall was reported in the area, an uncommon phenomenon after many years.Weathermen also predict snow or sleet in Al-Ghat (northern Riyadh), other parts of northern Riyadh and Al-Qassim under the same weather system. While snow falls in some high-altitude regions of Saudi Arabia between December and February, experts said it is extremely rare across most of the country.
Global reaction
As images and videos of snow-covered deserts made its way around the internet, many were skeptical that they were even real, with some speculating that the footage was generated by artificial intelligence. The striking imagery, white sand dunes against the stark skies of the desert, launched a huge debate. Meteorological data and official acknowledgments confirmed, though, that the snowfall was actual and generated by a strong cold-weather system over the area. The surprise contrast between snow and a country usually associated with scorching heat drew interest from around the world, with hashtags about Jabal Al-Lawz trending on social media.
Weather warnings and safety
Early warnings of possible snowfall, hail, severe gusts, and flash flooding in certain locations were issued by Saudi Arabia’s National Centre for Meteorology. Residents and visitors were advised by officials that these circumstances can be dangerous due to slick roads and poor visibility.Meteorologists explained that the event reflected low-pressure systems moving across the Middle East, bringing together cold air and moisture — a combination that can sometimes yield snow in high-elevation desert areas.
