In 2029, Saudi Arabia will organize the Winter Olympics. We remember: in 2022, the choice of this hot and desert country caused controversy.
And now the climate decides to thumb its nose at the Olympic committee. At the beginning of November 2024, it snowed on the desert plains. First heavy rains then hail hit the country.
Saudi News media shared amazing images on the social network X by commenting “Winter is fast approaching”:
In these images, also posted on X by the Najdean Memoirs account, we can clearly see the hailstones which cover the sandy plains.
Contrary to what one might imagine, snow is not that rare in Saudi Arabia. The country indeed has a mountainous area, bordering the Red Sea. The highest peak, Jabal Sawda culminates at 3000 meters.
What is exceptional is the snow in the desert regions.
What does this have to do with climate change?
The ArabiaWeather weather channel reports: “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 the experts stunned and surprised. »
According to meteorologists, the phenomenon is due to a low pressure system based in the Arabian Sea which brings in an air mass loaded with humidity. This comes into conflict with the hot air of the desert.
The forecasters show up worried. In the future, the region may experience changes that “affect natural life and ecosystems in desert areas”
