Rare Snowfall Transforms Saudi Arabia’s Deserts into a Winter Wonderland

In a spectacle that captivated residents and went viral across social media, vast stretches of Saudi Arabia’s iconic deserts and mountains turned white this week as rare snowfall blanketed northern regions.

The unusual winter weather, which began around December 17-18, brought heavy snow to high-altitude areas, sub-zero temperatures, and widespread rain, delighting locals while prompting cautions from authorities.

The Kingdom, long synonymous with scorching heat and endless sand dunes, saw dramatic scenes in Tabuk Province, where the majestic Jabal Al-Lawz (Almond Mountain), rising to about 2,580-2,600 meters, was coated in a thick layer of snow amid strong winds and dense fog. Nearby Trojena – a developing high-altitude destination known for hiking and future skiing facilities – also experienced snowfall accompanied by light rainfall, turning its rugged terrain into a picturesque snowy landscape.

Further south, parts of the Hail Region, including areas around Hail city, reported snowfall – an infrequent but not unprecedented event in this Middle Eastern nation. Temperatures plunged below 0°C, even reaching -4°C in some spots during early mornings, creating ideal conditions for snow accumulation on elevated ground and open areas.

Snow was also observed in Al-Majmaah and Al-Ghat, north of Riyadh, according to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM), with accumulations settling on higher terrain. Videos shared online showed residents celebrating the rare sight: families building snowmen, children playing in the flakes, and even camels trudging through snow-dusted dunes – images that starkly contrasted the country’s typical arid vistas.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall lashed other parts of the country. Moderate to heavy downpours affected Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern Region, while lighter rains fell in areas like AlUla Governorate, Shaqra, and Bir Bin Hermas.

The NCM had forecasted these conditions, attributing them to a powerful cold air mass pushing southward, interacting with moisture from Mediterranean systems.Experts note that while snowfall in Saudi Arabia’s northern highlands is rare, it recurs periodically during winter months (December to February), particularly in exposed areas like Tabuk and Hail.

Saudi astronomer Mohammed bin Reddah Al Thaqafi described it as a “recurring phenomenon” influenced by shifting atmospheric patterns, rather than a complete anomaly.Yet the event has sparked broader discussions.

Some observers link the intensity and visibility of such weather extremes to climate change, which is increasing variability even in hyper-arid regions unprepared for heavy precipitation or cold snaps. Others emphasize natural cyclical influences, pointing out similar events in recent years.

As the cold wave subsides, the snowfall has boosted interest in Saudi Arabia’s emerging winter tourism spots, like Trojena, part of the ambitious NEOM project.

For now, the fleeting white blanket over the deserts serves as a reminder of nature’s surprises in one of the world’s hottest countries – a moment of wonder amid the sands.

Signpost NewsDesk

Signpost News is an Imphal-based media house that focuses on delivering news and views from Northeast India and beyond.