Translated with AI
Snow fell in Saudi Arabia for the first time in decades, Anadolu News Agency reports. According to media reports, the snowfall occurred on December 18 in the northwestern and central regions of the country. Local sources called the snowfall in Riyadh and the surrounding area a "rare phenomenon." Al Arabiya TV described it as a "historic" event, noting that something similar had not been seen in approximately 30 years.
Before the snowfall, forecasters warned of a sharp drop in temperatures. Red and orange weather alerts were issued in some parts of the country due to hail and severe thunderstorms. Arab countries are experiencing a severe weather depression, accompanied by cold snaps, heavy rains, and snowfalls in some regions.
Snow especially blanketed the mountainous areas of Tabuk and Hail, including the area around Mount Jabal al-Lawz. Locals and visitors to the region took advantage of the rare opportunity to ski, sled, and simply stroll through the snow, and their videos quickly went viral on social media.
Saudi Arabia's National Meteorological Center earlier issued a warning of a possible sharp drop in temperature and the possibility of snowfall due to the effect of a deep cyclone that hit the region.
As a reminder, at the end of March this year, unexpected snowfall hit Antalya, Turkey, where warm spring weather prevailed. Up to 30 cm of snow fell on the Alajabel Pass, causing difficulties for drivers and utility services.
