A cold air mass brought rain and strong winds, causing snow to begin falling in several northern regions of Saudi Arabia last week. The snow has since covered desert areas near Tabuk, including Jabal Al Lawz and the Trojena plateau, at an altitude of about 2,600 meters, as temperatures dropped to approximately -4 degrees Celsius.
In Tabuk and Hail, residents flocked to the streets to ski and dance to traditional music, excitedly enjoying this rare sight. A video circulating on X shows a herd of camels standing amidst the snow-covered desert.
Saudi Arabian residents dance in the snow in Tabuk. Video: X/Life in Saudi Arabia
Meteorological experts indicate that this snowfall event is linked to a deep low-pressure system that swept across many areas in the Middle East, causing heavy rain, cold winds, and unusual snowfall.
Cold conditions in the region are expected to continue in the coming days. Gulf Today reports that this is the first time snow has completely covered northern Saudi Arabia in 30 years.
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Camels in the snow in northern Saudi Arabia. Photo: Gulf Today
Astronomer Mohammed bin Reddah Al Thaqafi stated that snow occasionally appears in Saudi Arabia during winter but is not cyclical. This year's snowfall primarily depends on fluctuations in climate and atmospheric conditions.
Saudi Arabia also experienced extreme weather patterns last week, as Dubai suffered heavy rain, which flooded many roads, and forced many agencies and offices to have employees work from home.
(According to Gulf Today, Gulf News, Al Jazeera)
