Saudi Desert Transformed: Unbelievable Winter Wonderland After Extreme Hailstorms

Saudi Desert
In an unexpected event, extreme hailstorms and heavy rains have transformed 's arid desert into a striking winter-like landscape. The unusual has predominantly affected the regions of Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Riyadh, and Mecca, leaving parts of the typically sun-scorched desert covered in a thick layer of snow-like hailstones.

Extreme Hailstorms Transform Saudi Desert

The , which began last Wednesday, October 30, 2024, and continued through the weekend, has surprised residents and meteorologists alike. The storms have turned sandy hills and valleys into what resembles snow-covered terrain, prompting comparisons to a winter wonderland in the heart of the desert. According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) and the Directorate-General of Civil Defense (DGCD), weather warnings have been extended through Monday, November 4, as the 's effects continue to be felt across the region.

Meteorological Explanation for the Storms

Meteorologists attribute this unusual weather to a low-pressure system originating from the Arabian Sea. This system brought in moisture-laden air that triggered severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and hailstorms across . The combination of cooler air and high humidity resulted in the heavy accumulation that has coated vast areas of the desert.

Regions Affected and Scenes of Ice and Waterfalls

The most impacted areas include Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Riyadh, Mecca, and regions around Asir, Tabuk, and Al Bahah. Roads, including the major route between Hail and Rafah, have experienced disruptions due to accumulated hail. In certain regions, thick layers of ice have covered the hills, creating rare sights of frozen rivers and even waterfalls, a spectacle that has drawn attention from locals and visitors alike.

Road and Travel Disruptions

Alongside stunning visual effects, the has caused significant disruptions, particularly on roads and in valleys where flash floods and large hailstones have impacted travel. Local authorities have issued safety warnings, urging residents and travelers to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.

An Unprecedented Event for the Desert Climate

This weather pattern has brought unexpected winter-like conditions to the desert, an area usually characterized by intense heat and dry weather. The low-pressure system that traveled from the Arabian Sea has also impacted parts of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. As meteorologists continue to monitor the situation, it's anticipated that the storms may weaken gradually after Monday.

The rare phenomenon has not only altered the landscape temporarily but has also highlighted the unpredictability of weather patterns in regions generally shielded from such events. For the time being, 's desert regions resemble scenes from colder, snowy climates, marking a memorable and historic moment in the Kingdom's weather history.

Stay updated for further developments as this unusual weather pattern unfolds.

hailstorm | rain | weather warning | thunderstorms | november

About The Author

Chief forecaster and ideologist of the weather forecast service Pogodnik. Co-author of scientific articles and specialized content for various online media.