The Al-Jawf region in northern Saudi Arabia has experienced its first-ever snowfall, transforming the typically golden dunes of the Al-Nafūd desert into a winter wonderland. Footage shows a layer of ice and snow covering the sand, with camels cautiously treading on the unusual surface.
Residents and visitors were seen stopping their cars to capture the unprecedented weather event. The area, where summer temperatures can reach 55°C, has seen a dramatic drop in temperature due to a low-pressure system moving from the Arabian Sea to Oman, according to the United Arab Emirates National Centre of Meteorology.
State media reported heavy rainfall and hailstorms sweeping through parts of Al-Jawf on Monday. The weather pattern has brought moisture-laden air into the arid region, leading to thunderstorms, hail, and rainfall across Saudi Arabia and the neighbouring UAE.
The Saudi Weather Department has issued warnings of ongoing severe weather in the coming days, with forecasts of additional heavy rainfall, hail, strong winds, and thunderstorms. Officials have advised residents to take precautions as the unusual conditions may affect visibility and disrupt travel.
