Snowfall transforms Saudi desert: Rare winter wonderland emerges
Autumn rains and the first frosts are no surprise at this time of year. However, there are places where heavy rains and snowfalls are major events and even places where people see them for the first time in their lives.
Such a place is the Al-Jouf region in Saudi Arabia, which has just experienced its first snowfall in history. The typically dry landscape transformed overnight into a winter wonderland.
Stunning landscapes
The residents of Al-Jouf woke up to a stunning environment. The Saudi Press Agency reports that the significant precipitation led to snowfall in some areas, creating waterfalls and revived valleys.
However, the Saudi weather department is far from euphoric. It issued warnings of continued severe weather phenomena in the coming days. Residents can expect storms in much of Al-Jouf, and forecasts predict further heavy rains and hail, which could limit visibility. Strong winds will accompany the storms.
Warnings not only in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is not the only country experiencing unusual weather phenomena. Similar weather systems have affected the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In mid-October, the UAE National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued warnings regarding expected rainfall, storms, and potential hail in several areas.
This unexpected winter weather is evidence of clear climate changes and emerging extreme phenomena in the Middle East.
While snowfall in Al-Jouf is concerning, it gives residents and tourists the chance to experience the beauty of a winter landscape rarely seen in this part of the world.
