Saudi Arabia's desert turns white with first snowfall in decades

Parts of Saudi Arabia experienced snowfall for the first time in decades, Anadolu Agency reports.

The snow fell on December 18 in the northwestern and central regions of the country. Local media described the snowfall in Riyadh and its surroundings as a “rare phenomenon,” while Al Arabiya called it a “historic” event, noting that such weather had not been recorded for approximately 30 years.

Meteorologists had warned of a sharp drop in temperatures prior to the snowfall. In some areas, red and orange weather alerts were issued due to hail and severe thunderstorms.

“Arab countries are experiencing a strong weather depression, accompanied by cold temperatures and heavy rainfall, with snowfall in some regions,” the report said.

By Khagan Isayev