The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important statement regarding the latest developments in the country's weather, revealing that the polar air mass is intensifying and reaching new areas in the heart of the Kingdom. Official forecasts indicate that snowfall will expand significantly to include the northern parts of the Riyadh and Qassim regions tomorrow, Thursday, in a weather development reflecting the strength of the low-pressure system that has already begun affecting the northern highlands.
The white visitor is knocking on the doors of the central regions
In detailing the weather situation, the center's official spokesperson explained via digital channels that readings of numerical models and analysis of weather maps confirm the advance of snow towards the central regions. It is now certain that the northern part of Riyadh and the Qassim region are expected to experience snowfall, joining the list of cities that have already been blanketed in white in recent hours, such as Tabuk and Hail. This drastic weather change necessitates special preparations from residents to cope with a significant and sharp drop in temperatures, which may fall below freezing in some areas.
Climatic implications and geographical dimensions of the event
The arrival of snow in the Riyadh and Qassim regions holds particular significance in the climatic record of Saudi Arabia. While Saudis and weather enthusiasts are accustomed to seeing snow blanketing the peaks of the Al-Lawz and Al-Aqan mountains in the Tabuk region (northwest of the Kingdom) almost annually, the arrival of this white visitor in the central regions is a less frequent but more intriguing event. This expansion reflects the strength of the polar air mass and its ability to penetrate deep into the Arabian Peninsula, creating a rare spectacle where the golden sands of the desert blend with the white snow—a phenomenon renowned globally for its unique beauty and attracting the attention of photographers and international news agencies.
Weather conditions and their field effects
The first signs of this powerful weather system began on Wednesday, with light to moderate snowfall, accompanied by frost, in the Tabuk and Hail highlands. These effects extended to the northeastern parts of the Madinah highlands. The system is not limited to snow; it coincides with widespread atmospheric instability, with clouds covering most regions and interspersed with rain-bearing thunderstorms that are directly and significantly impacting the western and southwestern parts of the Kingdom, promising a winter season rich in rain and abundance.
Safety guidelines and official warnings
Given these severe weather fluctuations, adhering to the instructions of the relevant authorities is crucial for ensuring public safety. The General Directorate of Civil Defense and the Special Forces for Road Security emphasize the need for extreme caution, especially for those using highways and open roads connecting the northern and central regions. Potential risks increase with reduced horizontal visibility due to dense fog or snowfall, as well as the risk of water or icy conditions on roads that may experience frost formation in the early morning and late evening hours. This necessitates driving cautiously and avoiding floodplains and valleys.
