Watch: Snow Transform Saudi's Al-Jawf, Bringing Unusual Winter, Storm Warnings

Last Updated:November 05, 2024, 14:14 IST

Snow and heavy rains transform Saudi Arabia's Al-Jawf region, bringing snow-capped mountains, waterfalls

Saudis play in the snow in Jabal al-Lawz (Mountain of Almonds), west of the Saudi city of Tabuk on January 17, 2022. (AFP File Photo)

Heavy rains and hail have transformed parts of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jawf region into a winter wonderland, with snowfall reported for the first time in recorded history.

The Saudi Press Agency noted that since last Wednesday, the region has had significant precipitation, leading to a blanket of snow covering mountainous areas as of November 1. The weather phenomenon has not only created picturesque scenes but also revitalised the landscape, with waterfalls emerging and valleys filling with water.

Al-Jawf Region

According to the Khaleej Times, Al-Jawf is known for its seasonal wildflowers, including lavender and chrysanthemums, which are expected to flourish in the coming spring. The Saudi Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued warnings for potential thunderstorms across Al-Jawf in the coming days.

Forecasts predict continued heavy rain and hail that may reduce visibility, along with strong winds. The NCM has also alerted residents in other regions, including Jazan, Asir, and Makkah, about possible severe weather conditions. This unusual weather pattern is not confined to Saudi Arabia; the United Arab Emirates has also been experiencing similar conditions.

On October 14, the UAE’s Centre of Meteorology issued alerts for rainfall and thunderstorms due to low-pressure systems moving across the Arabian Sea towards Oman. As Saudi Arabia prepares for more rain and potential storms, local authorities are on high alert to manage any emergencies arising from these severe weather conditions.

Blue lagoons

Last month, some parts of the Sahara Desert were hit by an unusual deluge of rainfall, transforming the arid landscape with blue lagoons amid the palm trees and sand dunes. This rare weather event has brought much-needed moisture to some of the driest regions in the desert, delivering more rain than many areas have seen in nearly 50 years.

The Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world and a vast expanse stretching across North Africa, is notorious for its extreme dryness. Rainfall is rare, particularly in late summer, making the recent storms especially striking. According to the Moroccan government, two days of heavy rainfall in September exceeded annual rainfall totals in several regions that typically receive less than 10 inches of rain a year.

Saudi Arabia

News world Watch: Snow Transform Saudi's Al-Jawf, Bringing Unusual Winter, Storm Warnings