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Rare Snow Blankets Northern Saudi Arabia as Forecasters Extend Risk to Qassim and Riyadh

Officials warn of continued hazardous weather driven by a powerful cold system over high elevations.

Overview

  • Heavy snowfall was confirmed in high-altitude areas including Tabuk’s Jabal al-Lawz and the Trojena Highlands, with temperatures reported as low as −4°C.
  • The National Centre for Meteorology forecast a chance of snowfall reaching Qassim and northern parts of Riyadh as the system persists.
  • Local authorities urged caution over the coming days due to expected strong winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms, advising travelers to avoid flooded roads.
  • Viral videos showing snow-covered dunes and roads drew widespread disbelief and prompted questions about whether some clips were AI-generated.
  • The event follows weeks of heavy rain and flooding across the kingdom and, while rare, is not unprecedented for elevated northern regions.