In a stunning meteorological event, the northern deserts of Saudi Arabia were transformed into a winter wonderland on December 18, as a rare and substantial snowfall blanketed the region. The phenomenon, which turned arid landscapes white, captivated locals and sparked global curiosity online.
White Blanket Over Almond Mountain
The snowfall was most prominent in the higher altitudes of the Tabuk region, particularly on the peaks of Jabal Al-Lawz, famously known as Almond Mountain. Situated at 2,580 meters above sea level, the mountain range, typically arid, was draped in a thick layer of snow, drawing immediate comparisons to alpine vistas in Europe. Reports confirmed that several northern towns experienced snow, some for the first time, covering everything from rugged mountainous terrain and high desert plateaus to the iconic sand dunes.
The Science Behind the Desert Snow
Meteorologists attributed this unusual event to a powerful cold air system that swept across the Middle East. This system brought together frigid temperatures and moisture, creating the perfect conditions for snow in these high-elevation desert areas. Temperatures in some parts plunged to a chilling minus 4 degrees Celsius (24.8 degrees Fahrenheit), while other areas of the Kingdom experienced heavy rain. The Saudi National Centre for Meteorology had issued early warnings for potential snowfall, hail, severe winds, and even flash flooding, advising residents and visitors of hazardous conditions like slippery roads and poor visibility.
Areas most affected included:
- Jabal Al-Lawz (Tabuk Province): Heavy snow accompanied by thick fog and strong winds.
- Tabuk region and surrounding highlands: Widespread snow cover across the desert landscape.
- Hail Region: Reports of snowfall, noted as an uncommon phenomenon after many years.
Weather forecasts also predicted snow or sleet for areas including Al-Ghat in northern Riyadh and parts of Al-Qassim under the same weather influence.
Global Amazement and Verified Reality
As images and videos of snow-dusted camels and cars navigating white-covered roads spread rapidly on social media, the global reaction was one of sheer disbelief. The striking contrast of white snow against the stark desert backdrop led many to speculate that the footage was generated by artificial intelligence. However, meteorological data and official confirmations swiftly validated the event as genuine. The surreal visuals propelled hashtags related to Jabal Al-Lawz to trend worldwide, highlighting the global fascination with this clash of climates.
While light snow is not entirely unheard of in some high-altitude regions of Saudi Arabia between December and February, experts emphasized that such a widespread and visually dramatic event remains extremely rare for most of the country. The occasion was thoroughly documented by locals, who donned winter gear to revel in the extraordinary conditions, creating a memorable spectacle in the heart of the desert.
