Rare Snowfall Hits Northern Saudi Arabia

Northern Saudi Arabia experienced an unusual snowfall this week, blanketing high-elevation desert landscapes in white and prompting weather warnings across the kingdom. The rare event, which unfolded around December 18, transformed rugged mountain areas in Tabuk Province and surrounding regions into temporary winter scenes, with temperatures dropping below freezing amid a cold air mass.

The National Centre for Meteorology reported snow accumulation in locations including Trojena on Jebel Al-Lawz, which rises to about 2,600 meters, as well as Al Majmaah, Al Ghat north of Riyadh, and parts of the Hail region. Light to moderate rain accompanied the snow in these areas, while heavier precipitation affected Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern Province, raising concerns about localized flooding. Early morning lows fell below zero degrees Celsius in elevated spots, allowing snow to settle on open terrain and sand dunes. Videos and images of snow-dusted mountains and camels traversing white expanses quickly spread on social media, drawing crowds to witness the spectacle in places like Al Majmaah and Al Ghat.

Authorities responded swiftly to the shifting conditions. The National Centre for...