Northern Saudi Arabia Expected to See Snow, Rain, and Storms

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology has announced a high chance of snowfall on Thursday in northern areas, including Qassim, as well as elevated regions of Tabuk and Hail, as a strong weather system continues to affect the country. The forecast comes after several days of warnings, with Qassim under a red alert for heavy rainfall and potential floods.

Meteorologists say that temperatures in highlands may drop below zero degrees Celsius, creating ideal conditions for snow, along with thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds. Experts stress that such snowfall, while attracting attention, is not unusual during the winter months.

Mohammed bin Reddah Al Thaqafi, a Saudi astronomer and member of the Arab Union for Space and Astronomy Sciences, explained that snowfall happens in northern Saudi Arabia periodically each winter. Its timing varies depending on climate and atmospheric conditions, even though it does not follow a fixed astronomical schedule. Snow typically falls between December and February and is most frequent in regions such as Tabuk, Al-Jouf, and Arar, which are more affected by Mediterranean weather systems.

Al Thaqafi identified specific locations most likely to experience snow this season, including Jabal Al Lawz, Alaqan, and Al Dhahr in Tabuk; Sakaka and Dumat Al Jandal in Al-Jouf; Arar in the Northern Borders; Jabal Aja and Jabal Salma in Hail; and the highlands of Abha in Asir. While some years may see less snow, these areas remain the most reliable for winter conditions.

He also advised motorists and outdoor visitors to be cautious during snowy weather, warning of slippery roads and low visibility, and emphasized following traffic rules to prevent accidents. Snow has already been reported on Jabal Al-Lawz in Tabuk, where mountains are now covered in white.

The National Center for Meteorology expects snow and unstable weather to continue from early afternoon until evening. The forecast also warns of moderate to heavy thunderstorms that could cause flash flooding, hail, and strong winds in several regions. NCM spokesperson Hussein Al Qahtani said the center is carefully monitoring conditions and dismissed social media reports of widespread flooding in Riyadh as false. He urged the public to rely only on official weather sources as unstable conditions persist across the Kingdom.