Saudi Arabia Sees First Snowfall in 30 Years: Climate Change Behind Desert Freeze
Desert Nation Turns White
The focus keyword: Saudi Arabia snowfall has stunned the world. A country known for scorching heat and endless deserts witnessed its first major snowfall in three decades this December. From Tabuk Province’s Jebel Al-Lawz mountains to parts of Hail Region, residents woke up to a surreal sight — camels walking through snow-covered dunes, mountain ranges blanketed in white, and temperatures dipping below zero.
The rare weather event was accompanied by heavy rainfall across Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern Province, forcing schools in the capital to shift to remote learning. Videos of snow-covered camels and Saudi families enjoying the icy spectacle quickly went viral, drawing global attention.
Why Is It Snowing in Saudi Arabia?
According to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM), the snowfall was triggered by:
- A cold air mass sweeping into northern and central regions.
- Interaction with rain-bearing clouds, creating conditions for snow accumulation.
- Sub-zero temperatures in elevated terrain like Trojena (2,600m altitude).
NCM spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani confirmed that snow was observed in Al-Majmaah and Al-Ghat, north of Riyadh, where it settled on open areas and hills. Authorities urged caution, warning of flood-prone valleys and icy roads.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
Meteorologists stress that while atmospheric conditions explain the immediate snowfall, the frequency of unusual weather events across the Middle East points to climate change.
Recent anomalies include:
- Unexpected winter rain in the UAE.
- Flash floods in typically arid Middle Eastern regions.
- Record-breaking heatwaves in South Asia.
- Snowfall in North Africa and parts of Europe at unusual times.
Saudi Arabia’s snowfall adds to a growing list of climate surprises, highlighting how global warming disrupts traditional weather cycles.
Social Media Buzz and Public Reaction
Images of camels covered in snow and Saudi families building snowmen flooded platforms like X and Instagram. Crowds gathered in Al-Majmaah and Al-Ghat to witness the rare phenomenon.
While many celebrated the novelty, others expressed concern about the country’s lack of infrastructure to handle icy conditions. The government responded by issuing advisories and shifting schools online.
Saudi Arabia’s Climate Future
Experts warn that such anomalies may become more frequent:
- Desert regions could see more erratic rainfall and cold snaps.
- Urban planning must adapt to sudden floods and temperature drops.
- Tourism projects like Trojena (part of NEOM) may benefit from snow, but rural communities face risks.
Saudi Arabia has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, but events like this snowfall underline the urgency of climate action.
Trending Queries
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