On December 18, residents of Tabuk province in northwestern Saudi Arabia were stunned by a rare snowstorm, the first intense snowfall in almost three decades.
First snowfall in thirty years
On December 18, residents of Tabuk province in northwestern Saudi Arabia were surprised by snow, fog, and strong wind, marking the first intense snowfall in nearly 30 years, according to the Times of India.
Snow blankets the desert and camels
The snow fell with the arrival of a strong cold‑air mass, dropping temperatures in some places to minus 4 °C. Typically, snow in Saudi Arabia appears between December and February, mainly on high peaks such as Jabal al‑Lawz (2,580 m). This time, white blanket covered lower areas too.
Scenic contrast highlighted by Gulf News
Gulf News noted that the winter conditions at higher altitudes made a stark contrast with the usual desert climate, emphasizing the diverse and picturesque landscapes. Times of India added that the scenery resembled the Swiss Alps more than the Arabian Peninsula.
Camels seen on snowy terrain in viral videos
Social‑media clips emerged showing camels walking across the snow‑covered desert, a striking visual of the unusual weather.
Further cold waves expected, warnings issued
Saudi Arabia’s National Meteorological Center says similar conditions could persist in the coming days and cautions against hypothermia and sudden temperature drops.
Nationwide low temperatures and alerts
Temperatures in cities such as Turaif, Qurayyat, Dawadmi, and Taif have dropped to only 2 °C. The Meteorological Center has issued alerts for possible snowfall, hail, strong winds, and flooding.