ON November 3, 2024, the Al-Nafūd desert in Al-Jawf, Saudi Arabia experienced its first reported snowfall.
The internet was buzzing with photographs and videos of this unique event, featuring scenes of camels gently walking across the ice.
According to the National Center of Meteorology of the United Arab Emirates, the extraordinary weather phenomenon was caused by a low-pressure region in the Arabian Sea.
HOW DID THE SAUDI ARABIAN DESERT OBTAIN SNOW?
First time in history Saudi Arabian desert turns into winter wonderland after first-ever snowfall.
— Mohammad Wasim (@19WMS) November 5, 2024
For the first time in recorded history Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jawf region experienced snowfall turning the dry desert into a winter scene. pic.twitter.com/X2XCGBt3aY
The region’s temperature can reach 55°C, thus the sudden appearance of frost was genuinely unexpected.
According to the UK news site Metro, the low-pressure system pushed moist air into this parched region.
This occurrence resulted in thunderstorms, hail, and rainfall throughout Saudi Arabia and the neighboring UAE.
CNBC reported that the UAE Meteorology Center advised citizens to take precautions for additional bad weather.
The odd conditions can decrease vision and hamper traffic in the Saudi desert.
Contrary to popular opinion, snow can fall in deserts.
For example, the Sahara has seen multiple incidents of frost in recent decades.
According to the news website The Conversation, snow forms when cold temperatures and moist air combine.
The recent low-pressure area may have pulled cool, moist air towards the Al-Nafūd desert, resulting in snowfall.
Snow may develop on higher ground, such as the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.
If the air is cold enough, moisture can freeze into snow crystals, blanketing the area in white.
According to the World Bank, West Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to the effects of climate change.
Despite recent snowfall, predictions show rising average temperatures.
It could soon lead to more irregular and extreme weather patterns.
The Saudi Arabian desert was not the only place with odd weather.
The first message indicated that Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, was experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding.#
