Saudi Arabia Snowfall After 30 Years Explained

Saudi Arabia is known for having extreme temperatures and vast deserts. But it had a freak weather situation last winter when parts of Saudi Arabia received measurable amounts of snow! A large portion of Saudi Arabia has gone almost thirty years without snowfall. The experience along with other extreme weather events (such as heavy rain and temperatures below freezing) was quite shocking to those living in that part of the world. This unique phenomenon has brought the effect of climate change on current global weather patterns into the forefront of our minds.

Winter Wonder Land in Saudi Arabia

Northern Saudi Arabia records its first snowfall in history and transforms the landscape in a mountainous area of Tabuk Province! Snow fell in Trojena on Jebel Al-Lawz at an altitude of approximately 2600 meters. The snow was accompanied by a light rain.

Many other locations within the Hail Region and along Hail city limits also collected measurable amounts of snow. It is a rare phenomenon within the Middle East. Several areas across the country reported subzero temperatures early in the morning. It allowed for a good amount of accumulation of snow at higher-elevation areas of Saudi Arabia.

The snowstorm didn’t only produce the white stuff. It also produced large amounts of rain throughout the Saudi Arabian region. The following areas reported varying amounts of light to moderate rain: Bir Bin Hermas, Al-Ayinah, Ammar, Shaqra, AlUla Governorate, and surrounding areas.

More rain has fallen on areas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, such as Riyadh, Qassim, and certain regions of the Eastern Province. Authorities are issuing guidance warnings for those at risk of flooding (e.g., drivers and those who live in areas with flooding). As a result of the extreme weather changes in the country.

Weather-Related Factors Leading to Cold Weather:

The NCM (National Center for Meteorology) reports having recorded snow within the towns of Al-Majmaah and Al-Ghat, located north of Riyadh. The snow can be found both on street surfaces and higher on the surrounding hills.

As reported by the NCM, weather expert Hussein Al-Qahtani, the severe cold weather event in northern and central Saudi Arabia was due primarily to the influx of extremely cold Arctic air masses. This cold air mass went into contact with clouds that carried the rainfall. This significantly decreased the temperature as well as produced snow accumulation in both northern and central parts of the Kingdom.

According to Ali, the cold temperatures that currently exist will likely continue for an extended time throughout all regions of northern and central Saudi Arabia. Therefore, travelers should exercise caution if travelling in those areas.

As Weather Disrupts Normal Life, Officials React

There are many images and videos of snowy mountains in Saudi Arabia trending on social media. Many people have come together in Al-Majmaah and Al-Ghat to view this unusual weather phenomenon. In contrast, officials have been very cautious about this weather and responded accordingly. In Riyadh, schools moved to virtual online learning beginning last week as a precautionary measure. It is due to the unpredictable nature of this weather.

The Emergency Services were put in motion in response to the potential flooding and risk of road accidents because of rain and ice.

The Increasing Impact of Climate Change and Weather Extremes

Meteorologists connect the snowfall to the air pressure and temperature conditions in the atmosphere. However, the increasing frequency of extreme weather patterns has caused concern about the impact of Climate Change. In numerous locations, formerly considered rare, the frequency of unusual weather patterns is being documented at an alarming rate.

An example of this is the unusual winter rainfall that has occurred in the UAE. The extremely sudden flooding currently happening in parts of the Middle East that are normally dry, in conjunction with unprecedented Heat Waves that are currently occurring in South Asia, as well as unusual snowfall occurring in several different areas of Europe and North Africa; all of these provide firm evidence that there is a breakdown of global Weather Patterns.

Recent developments in scientific advancements alert us that Climate Change is not something that will happen in the far-off future; Climate Change is currently affecting temperatures and humidity levels within regions that were ancestrally associated with warm, dry climates.

Alert for Preparation

The unusual snowfall that has occurred in Saudi Arabia has highlighted that Climate Change will impact every area of the globe. Because the frequency of extreme weather events will continue to increase, our ability to be prepared, to adapt our infrastructure to a changing climate, and to educate our population about Climate Change is imperative to reducing our risk and ensuring the safety of our Citizens in the future.