If the country is particularly known for its deserts and its arid climate, it started to snow at the beginning of November 2024 in the desert province of Al-Jawf.
It may seem counterintuitive, but it is indeed snowing at the beginning of November in Saudi Arabia. “Winter is fast approaching”commented on social networks, the media Saudi News, sharing astonishing photos of the desert plains covered with a thin layer of snow. In recent days, heavy rains have fallen on the country and hail has also visited the Saudis in the western province of Al-Jawf, on the border with Jordan.
In reality, snow is not uncommon in Saudi Arabia, which has a mountainous region with Jabal Sawda, in the province of Asir on the edge of the Red Sea, which rises to more than 3,000 meters above sea level. On the other hand, snow remains an abnormal phenomenon in desert regions.
Phenomenon linked to climate change?
“The Al-Jawf region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnessed a rare weather event, … accompanied by unexpected snowfall and hail, leaving local residents and experts stunned and surprised”commented the meteorological company ArabiaWeather. She explains that this weather is due to a low pressure system centered on the Arabian Sea, bringing back an air mass laden with humidity which came into conflict with the intense heat of the desert.
For ArabiaWeather, this phenomenon is far from good news: this meteorological event has raised concerns “on the potential effects of climate change, reinforcing discussions on how to prepare”. The region could experience changes in the future that “affect natural life and ecosystems in desert areas”indicates the meteorological society’s website.
published on November 10 at 11:10 p.m., Auguste Breton, 6Medias
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