Saudi Arabia Receives Snowfall for First Time in 30 Years, Sub-Zero Mercury Amid Unusual Cold Wave; Here’s Why It’s Happening
Northern Saudi Arabia has experienced rare snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, prompting meteorological explanations for the unusual winter weather across northern and central regions, including Tabuk, Hail, and areas near Riyadh. With snowfall reported in northern regions and widespread rain pushing temperatures sharply lower.
Saudi Arabia, December 23: Northern regions of Saudi Arabia have recently experienced an unusual cold wave, bringing rare snowfall and sub-zero temperatures to areas typically known for their arid climate. The Tabuk region, in particular, has seen significant precipitation, transforming its desert landscapes into a temporary winter wonderland and captivating residents. This meteorological event marks a stark departure from the kingdom's usual weather patterns, drawing attention to the dynamics of global weather systems.
Temperatures in some northern areas, including parts of the Jabal al-Lawz mountain range, plummeted below freezing point, reaching as low as -2 degrees Celsius. The snowfall, while not entirely unprecedented in extreme cases, is infrequent enough to be a significant public event, prompting local authorities to issue warnings for road safety while also drawing visitors to witness the phenomenon. Unusual Weather Change in Tabuk and Hail! Rare Snowfall Blankets Northern Saudi Arabia: Watch Video.
Explaining the Unusual Cold
Meteorologists attribute the rare cold snap to a combination of atmospheric factors. A strong high-pressure system over the Arctic is believed to have pushed a mass of exceptionally cold air southward. This Arctic air mass, coupled with a southward dip in the jet stream, allowed frigid temperatures to penetrate deeper into the Arabian Peninsula than is typical for this time of year. The presence of moisture-laden air, often from the Mediterranean or Red Sea, then combined with these cold conditions to produce the observed snowfall.
Historical Context of Saudi Arabia Snow
While widely perceived as a desert nation, Saudi Arabia has experienced snowfall on several occasions in the past, though these events remain rare. Notable occurrences have been recorded in regions like Tabuk and the northern mountainous areas in recent decades, typically during severe winter seasons. However, the extent and duration of the current cold wave have been particularly noteworthy. Saudi Arabia Transforms Into Winter Wonderland for the First Time in History, Viral Pictures and Videos Show Desert Blanketed in Snow Amid Rain and Hail Storm.
Local Impact and Public Response
The unusual weather has sparked widespread interest among residents and on social media, with many sharing images and videos of snow-covered deserts and mountains. While presenting some challenges for infrastructure and travel in affected areas, the spectacle has also become a temporary tourist attraction, with locals venturing out to experience the rare phenomenon. Authorities have urged caution on icy roads and taken measures to ensure public safety during the cold spell.
Broader Climatic Discussions
While individual weather events cannot directly be attributed to long-term climate change without extensive analysis, such extreme and unusual patterns contribute to ongoing scientific discussions about global weather variability. Scientists continue to study how shifts in global atmospheric circulation, potentially influenced by a warming Arctic, might lead to more frequent instances of extreme weather in unexpected regions.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2025 01:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).