On Monday, November 4, the Al-Jawf region of Saudi Arabia experienced its first recorded snow, transforming the desert landscape into a winter wonderland. This unprecedented meteorological event follows a week of intense precipitation and hailstorms across the Kingdom.
The United Arab Emirates National Centre of Meteorology attributes this unique weather to a low-pressure system from the Arabian Sea extending to Oman. This system introduced moisture-laden air into an area traditionally characterized by extreme aridity, resulting in the unusual precipitation.
While snowfall in Saudi Arabia is exceptionally rare, it is not without precedent in desert regions globally. Climatologists suggest that such atypical weather events may increase in frequency due to shifting atmospheric conditions associated with global climate change.
Earlier this week, South Africa saw snow in November for the first time in 85 years and six feet of fresh snow in September.
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The area’s typical temperatures in early November average 63ºF, with highs of 73ºF and lows of 52ºF. Due to its arid desert climate, the area receives an average of only 0.48 inches of rainfall for the month.
The Saudi Weather Department has issued advisories warning of continued severe weather in the coming days. Forecasts predict further thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong regional winds. Officials urge residents to exercise caution and prepare for disruptions to daily activities.
