Saudi Arabia witnesses rare snowfall after three decades

(Web Desk) - Saudi Arabia has seen an exceptionally rare snowfall across several regions, particularly in the north, marking the first such occurrence in nearly 30 years.

Areas stretching from the Tuwaiq mountain range in the west to regions near Riyadh were covered in a striking blanket of snow, transforming the Kingdom’s typically arid desert landscape into an unexpected winter scene.

The unusual weather phenomenon sparked widespread excitement and disbelief among residents, many of whom shared videos and images on social media showing vast stretches of desert coated in white. The rare snowfall turned parts of the country into an impromptu winter playground, with residents seen celebrating, skiing, and capturing moments rarely witnessed in the Kingdom.

One widely shared video showed camels standing amid snow-covered desert terrain under dark, looming clouds, while another clip featured adults enjoying the snowfall, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the event.

Known for its extreme heat and desert climate, Saudi Arabia saw temperatures drop below 0°C in some regions, creating favourable conditions for snow accumulation, particularly over higher ground. The cold wave was also accompanied by widespread rainfall across multiple areas.

According to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM), the weather conditions were caused by a cold air mass moving into the central and northern regions, with temperatures expected to remain low. The NCM has further forecast a strong possibility of heavy snowfall in the Qassim region and northern parts of Riyadh on Thursday, December 25, 2025, as an intense weather system continues to affect large parts of the Kingdom.

Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and take necessary safety measures during the severe weather, while experts note that such unusual climatic events highlight the growing impact of climate change on hot regions.