Saudi Arabia: Tabuk region experiences rare snowfall after huge drop in temperature overnight

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Social media users in Saudi Arabia have shared videos of a rare snowfall in the Tabuk region after a huge drop in temperature overnight.

Snow is expected to cover areas of altitudes as low as 400 meters, according to the meteorological department. 

Snow blanketed parts of the country on Wednesday, covering areas it has not reached in years, disrupting traffic and postponing vaccination campaigns against COVID-19 and even exams at some universities.

Tourists thronged to the peak of Jabal Al Lawz which is completely covered in white. It is located near the Jordanian border in the Tabuk region.

The harsh weather forced security personnel to restrict the road leading to the region.

As per the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, Eastern Province, Al Baha, Asir, Jazan, Al-Qassim, Tabuk, Al Jouf and Hail will experience moderate rainfall.

Amid low visibility, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence has called on everyone “to be vigilant.” It has anticipated the likelihood of severe rain and thunder in the next 24 hours.

In 2018, the country had experienced a similar snowfall in which people had organised snow sports such as sleigh rides and snowball battles.

(With inputs from agencies)