Unexpected Hailstorm in Saudi Arabia Covers Desert in White Blanket
A rare hailstorm in the Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia has completely transformed the desert landscape, covering it in a white blanket. The golf ball-sized hailstones turned the desert, usually characterized by its yellow sand, into a winter-like scene.
According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency, heavy rains that began last Wednesday have filled the region’s valleys with water. Social media posts from the area show images of the desert, now completely blanketed in white, as opposed to its usual golden sand.
Such weather events are extremely rare in Saudi Arabia, which is known for its scorching temperatures, often exceeding 40°C (104°F). However, this isn’t the first time the country has experienced unusual weather. In 2021, temperatures in the Asir region dropped to as low as -2°C (28°F), and snow fell, with iconic images of camels walking through snow-covered terrain making headlines worldwide.
Meteorological experts have stated that this unusual weather event was caused by a low-pressure system originating from the Arabian Sea. They also forecast that the region will continue to experience heavy rain, hail, and strong winds in the coming days.
