A rare weather phenomenon struck Saudi Arabia in recent days, as the Al-Jawf region in the northern part of the country “dressed in white” due to a snowfall caused by heavy rain and hail.

Experts and locals reported that the usually dry and barren mountains of the area were covered in snow for the first time after the storms that had been sweeping the region since last Wednesday.

This dramatic weather change in Saudi Arabia made the landscape of the area barely recognizable, with rivers and streams—usually dry—flowing again. The intense storms, gale-force winds, and hailstorms are expected to continue, potentially causing delays in travel, poor visibility, and further disruptions in daily life.

The cause of these unusual weather conditions is linked to a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea, which brought moisture-laden air that “collided” with the extreme heat of the desert region, triggering powerful storms.

The Saudi Arabian Meteorological Service has issued warnings for even more intense weather phenomena in the coming days, urging residents to be prepared for potential disruptions.