Saudi Arabia, Qatar Experience Snowfall

Saudi Arabia and Qatar experienced an unexpected winter wonderland this week, with snowfall blanketing several northern regions, a rare but breathtaking sight in the Gulf. The snowstorm, which occurred on Wednesday and Thursday, brought cold weather, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms to various parts of the Kingdom and Qatar.

In Saudi Arabia, areas like Trojena, located in the Tabuk province, saw snow and light rainfall, offering a perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. The snowfall also reached the northern regions of Riyadh, including Al-Majmaah and Al-Ghat, where the temperatures dipped below freezing. These regions, along with parts of Hail and Qassim, experienced rare snow, which accumulated over highland areas.

Qatar, too, witnessed significant snowfall, covering large areas with a blanket of white, as shown in videos shared by locals. The region also reported heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, which intensified as the storm moved eastward.

Despite the rare occurrence, meteorologists have explained that snowfall in northern Saudi Arabia is not entirely unusual, typically occurring from December to February due to shifting weather systems. While exciting for locals, experts urged caution, especially on icy roads, as conditions could lead to frost formation.