Climate change? Saudi Arabia's Al-Jawf stunned by rare snowfall

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a rare cold spell, with heavy rainfall and hail turning Al-Jawf into a winter wonderland. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), intense rainfall and large hailstones have swept through since last Wednesday, culminating in snowfall that has blanketed the mountains, surprising residents and meteorologists.

For the first time in recorded history, Al-Jawf's desert landscape has snow, captivating locals and sparking social media buzz. The snowfall-coated areas like Sakaka City and Dumat Al-Jandal significantly departed from the region's typical arid climate.

Residents and visitors shared photos and videos of roads and valleys covered in white, with some documenting ice rivers and waterfalls—starkly contrasting the usual sandy terrain. The heavy rains have rejuvenated the valleys, creating scenic waterfalls and enriching the soil, promising a lush spring filled with seasonal wildflowers like lavender and chrysanthemum.

Why did it snow in Saudi Arabia?

The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) attributed this rare weather to a low-pressure system moving from the Arabian Sea to Oman. This system brought moisture-laden air into the typically dry region, triggering thunderstorms, hailstorms, and persistent rainfall. The cooler temperatures and moisture created the conditions for snowfall, astonishing experts and locals.

l | 🇸🇦❄️ Saudi Arabia is experiencing an unusual winter for the desert country

Snow covered the country's mountainous areas yesterday, creating a beautiful winter display, as earlier the country was hit by heavy rain with large hail, according to Saudi media pic.twitter.com/GV5n9JmBnY

— Unbiased, Unreported News (@Kiraguri254) November 3, 2024

The recent snowfall follows an unusually warm Marbaniya season, which traditionally runs from December 7 to January 14. Al-Lawz, at 2,600 meters altitude, usually sees snow during this period. However, warmer temperatures and the absence of southern winds carrying humid air delayed the snow by nearly two months. The NCM noted these anomalies could be linked to changing global climate patterns.

While the snow has brought delight and awe, it holds ecological significance. Al-Jawf, known for its wild flora, is expected to see a surge in plant growth due to increased moisture. This boost could lead to a flourishing landscape in the coming months, benefiting local wildlife and the region's biodiversity.

According to experts, the area will likely regenerate as a result of the heavy rain and snow, enhance the seasonal bloom, and support the local ecosystem. The weather shift has sparked conversations about climate change, with researchers noting extreme weather events are becoming more frequent worldwide, especially in arid regions like Saudi Arabia.

🇸🇦 Suudi Arabistan’ın çöllük Al-Jawf bölgesinde kar ❄️ ve tipi.pic.twitter.com/to6Sl3jIs7

— Dr. Ali Demirdas (@DrDemirdasEn) November 3, 2024

The unusual weather has prompted the Kingdom’s Directorate-General of Civil Defense (DGCD) and the NCM to issue advisories urging residents to remain cautious. Warnings include potential thunderstorms and continued heavy rainfall, which could impact visibility and travel. The forecast also indicates strong winds, further emphasizing the need for precaution.

Sahara town's temperature dropped, rare snowfall

A few years ago, a Sahara Desert town, known for its scorching temperatures above 58 degrees Celsius, experienced an unexpected drop to -2 degrees Celsius, leading to a rare snowfall.

Snowfall in deserts like Saudi Arabia is rare but not unprecedented. A few years ago, the Sahara Desert experienced an unexpected temperature drop, leading to snowfall. These occurrences are attributed to global climate shifts, increasing the frequency of extreme weather patterns.

The World Bank has noted that West Asia is vulnerable to climate-related impacts, with projections indicating rising temperatures and greater weather variability.

Northern Saudi Arabia: Snow blankets the desert after heavy rains and hail. Just yesterday, winter transformed the mountainous landscape.🇸🇦

🤡Yes, this is normal. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have well-known weather modification programs. pic.twitter.com/ZoFQ3Gav92

— Global Dissident (@GlobalDiss) November 3, 2024

Experts argue that while this snow in Al-Jawf may be a spectacle, it reminds us of climate change’s growing impact. As atmospheric conditions evolve, the Middle East and other traditionally hot, arid regions may witness more of these unusual weather events in the future.

The DGCD has urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas and ensure their safety as the weather persists. This advice comes as many people are still thinking back on earlier instances of extreme weather, like the severe flooding that occurred in Riyadh earlier this year and resulted in floodwaters sweeping away vehicles.

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