Snow in Al Majmaah and Al Ghat: Weather details and meteorological warnings for today

The governorates of Al Majma'ah and Al Ghat, located in the northern part of the Riyadh region, witnessed a remarkable weather event this morning, Thursday, with snowfall blanketing the highlands and open areas in white. This exceptional winter scene reflects the climatic changes the region is experiencing this winter season. This weather phenomenon resulted from a sharp and significant drop in temperatures, which transformed raindrops into snow crystals that adorned the desert sands.

Weather conditions and cold air mass details

In an official explanation of the scientific reasons behind this phenomenon, the spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein bin Mohammed Al-Qahtani, confirmed that what is happening in the northern Riyadh region is a direct result of a cold, polar air mass. This air mass coincided with the presence of rain-bearing thunderclouds, leading to a drop in minimum temperatures to below zero degrees Celsius in several locations. These were the ideal conditions that created the atmosphere for snowfall during the early morning hours, a phenomenon eagerly anticipated annually by weather enthusiasts and photographers.

climatic and geographical context

This weather pattern is particularly significant due to the geographical nature of the Riyadh region. While residents of northern regions of the Kingdom, such as Tabuk and Jabal al-Lawz, are accustomed to annual snowfall, the arrival of snow in the northern Riyadh governorates, such as Al-Majma'ah and Al-Ghat, is a less frequent occurrence, making it a focal point for everyone. The diverse topography of these governorates, encompassing mountains, valleys, and open areas, plays a crucial role in the formation of frost and snow accumulation when suitable climatic conditions, such as humidity and upper-level cooling, are present.

The cold wave is expected to continue

Al-Qahtani noted that the National Center for Meteorology had anticipated the situation by issuing early warnings through its automated early warning system, explaining that monitoring and tracking teams are continuously monitoring weather developments around the clock. Weather forecasts indicate that the cold air mass will persist, with a high probability of frost (ice) forming during the night and early morning hours in large parts of northern and central Saudi Arabia, necessitating appropriate heating measures.

Safety warnings and guidelines

In light of these conditions, authorities reiterated their call for citizens, residents, and travelers on highways connecting Riyadh with the northern provinces to exercise extreme caution. The danger lies in the potential formation of ice on asphalt roads, which could cause vehicles to skid. The center emphasized the importance of monitoring updated weather reports through official channels, avoiding floodplains and open areas during peak cold spells, and adhering to Civil Defense and Traffic Department instructions to protect lives and property.