Snow has blanketed parts of Saudi Arabia’s northern and central regions, transforming the golden desert sands into a rare winter wonderland. On December 18, 2025, heavy snowfall covered vast desert areas, reaching from the Jabal Al-Lawz mountains in the west to regions near the capital, Riyadh. Local news outlets and residents are calling it a historic occurrence, with reports suggesting it is the first time in 30 years that snow has settled in certain northern desert areas.
A Historic Winter Transformation
While snowfall occurs almost every winter in the high-altitude peaks of Tabuk (specifically Jabal Al-Lawz), this particular weather system was significantly more intense and widespread. Snow settled on brown dunes and rugged plains across thousands of square kilometers, including the Tuwaiq mountain range.
Local TV channels have highlighted the "historic" nature of the event, as the cold air mass pushed temperatures as low as -4°C (24.8°F) in some regions. Areas like Al-Ghat, Al-Majmaah, and northern parts of Riyadh saw accumulation on open ground, a sight that stunned both locals and global onlookers.
Snow has fallen in Saudi Arabia. In the country’s northern regions, it has happened for the first time in the past 30 years
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) December 21, 2025
The snow covered desert areas across thousands of square kilometers — from the Tuwaiq mountain range in the west to regions closer to Riyadh. Local TV… pic.twitter.com/IKPzalcZ1v
Key Affected Regions:
- Tabuk Province: Heavy snow on Jabal Al-Lawz ("Almond Mountain") and the Trojena Highlands.
- Hail Region: Significant snowfall for the first time in decades.
- Riyadh Region: Snow and sleet reported in Al-Majmaah and Al-Ghat.
- Al-Jawf: Continued unstable weather with hail and freezing rain.
Social Media Reaction: Camels in the Snow
The rare sight triggered mass euphoria on social media. Viral videos and photos show:
- Camels grazing on snow-covered dunes under dark, wintry skies.
- Residents setting up traditional tents and brewing hot coffee amidst the white landscape.
- Locals in traditional winter cloaks (bishts) celebrating and dancing in the rare "desert snow."
However, the excitement was tempered by practical challenges. Many residents have taken to social platforms to complain about the bitter cold and the danger of icy, slippery roads, as most local vehicles are not equipped for winter driving conditions.
Weather Warnings and Safety
The National Meteorology Center (NCM) issued several alerts prior to the storm, warning of a sharp drop in temperatures, heavy thunderstorms, and hail.
"This weather system is driven by a strong cold air mass moving into central and northern regions, pushing temperatures below zero in multiple locations," stated NCM spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani.
Safety measures urged by authorities:
- Travel Caution: Drivers are urged to exercise extreme care on exposed roads due to ice and reduced visibility from thick fog.
- Avoid Valleys: The Civil Defense has warned residents to stay away from valleys (wadis) as the snow may be accompanied by flash flooding in lower elevations.
- Frost Protection: Farmers in the northern provinces have been advised to take precautions against frost damage to seasonal crops.
