Snow blankets Saudi Arabia’s deserts for first time in 30 years
A rare widespread snowfall event affected northern Saudi Arabia in December 2025, transforming desert landscapes and mountain ranges across Tabuk and Hail into snow-covered terrain. The snowfall occurred as a sharp cold air intrusion lowered temperatures below freezing at higher elevations, with snow settling near 2 600 m (8 530 feet) and surface temperatures reported near −4°C (25°F), according to regional media reports. Such widespread snowfall over desert areas is considered exceptionally uncommon for the region.

