Saudi Desert Transformed: Unbelievable Winter Wonderland After Extreme Hailstorms
In an unexpected weather event, extreme hailstorms and heavy rains have transformed Saudi Arabia's arid desert into a striking winter-like landscape. The unusual weather 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.
Saudi Desert Transformed: Unbelievable Winter Wonderland After Extreme Hailstorms#saudia #hailstorm #saudiflood pic.twitter.com/Y1wv1MWUjB
— City Weather (@ukcityweather) November 4, 2024
Extreme Hailstorms Transform Saudi Desert
The storm, 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 storm'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 Saudi Arabia. The combination of cooler air and high humidity resulted in the heavy hail 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 storm 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, Saudi Arabia'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.
Chief forecaster and ideologist of the weather forecast service Pogodnik. Co-author of scientific articles and specialized content for various online media.
