Saudi Arabia gets winter surprise: Al-Jawf region covered in snow for the first time

Saudi Arabia gets winter surprise: Al-Jawf region covered in snow for the first time

Sub: Geo

Sec: Climate

Context:

• Al-Jawf in Saudi Arabia has experienced heavy snowfall and rainfall for the first time in recorded history.
• Areas like Sakaka City and Dumat Al-Jandal governorate were covered in hail and heavy rain, resulting in white-capped desert landscapes.

Details:

• The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued alerts for further thunderstorms, with expectations of hail, strong winds, and potential flooding.
• Reduced visibility is anticipated, and residents are advised to stay cautious.
• This unusual moisture is expected to benefit the region’s wild flora, with seasonal plants like lavender and chrysanthemum predicted to flourish in spring.

Previous Snowfall in Al-Lawz:

• In February 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Lawz mountains, near Tabuk, experienced snowfall.
• Al-Lawz typically sees snow during the “Marbaniya” season (December 7 – January 14). However, unusually warm temperatures delayed this year’s snowfall by two months.

Unusual Temperature Patterns:

• The warmer winter was attributed to atmospheric changes and a lack of southern winds, which usually bring humidity and cause temperature drops.
• As a result, the Marbaniya season ended with less intensity than usual.

Source: DTE