In an unusual weather event, parts of Saudi Arabia are preparing for a significant cold snap, with forecasts predicting snowfall in several regions including Qassim and northern Riyadh this week. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued warnings as a major weather system sweeps across the Kingdom, bringing a mix of snow, rain, hail, and gusty winds.
Snowfall Alert for Northern and Central Regions
The NCM has indicated a high probability of snow on Thursday in the Qassim region and northern parts of Riyadh. This alert comes after Qassim was under a red warning for heavy rain and potential floods for three consecutive days. Earlier, on Wednesday, snowfall is expected to begin in the highlands of Tabuk and Hail, where temperatures are forecast to plunge below zero degrees Celsius.
Lighter snowfall and frost may also affect parts of the northeastern highlands of the Madinah region, creating cold and hazardous conditions in elevated areas. Authorities are urging residents in these areas to stay vigilant and follow official guidance.
Widespread Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain
While some areas brace for snow, other parts of the Kingdom are facing severe thunderstorms. Moderate to heavy thunderstorms are forecast over Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the Northern Borders, carrying a risk of flash floods. These storms are likely to be accompanied by hail and strong, gusty winds.
On Monday, Riyadh experienced mostly light, continuous rainfall, described by NCM spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani as drizzle. However, some neighborhoods saw moderate to heavy showers with hail in the evening. Official monitoring stations recorded a maximum of 12 mm of rain in Riyadh, with the highest regional total reaching 24 mm at King Khalid Royal Reserve. Al-Qahtani clarified that viral social media videos showing flooding were inaccurate and advised the public to rely solely on official weather updates.
Rough Seas and Nationwide Precautions
The turbulent weather is also impacting the Kingdom's coastal waters. Both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf are expected to experience rough conditions. In the Red Sea, northwesterly to northerly winds of 25–50 km/h are expected, with gusts exceeding 60 km/h during storms, leading to waves as high as 2.5 meters. Similar rough conditions with winds reaching 15–40 km/h, gusting over 60 km/h, are forecast for the Arabian Gulf.
Overall, weather across Saudi Arabia will range from partly cloudy to cloudy, with rain-bearing thunderclouds developing over western and southwestern regions. The NCM is closely monitoring the situation and has reiterated its call for all residents to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions against the diverse and severe weather conditions affecting large parts of the country.
