It’s Rare But It Can Happen: When did it Snow in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is arguably one of the hottest places on the planet, so when it snows in the country it is an extremely rare occurrence. It might be hard to believe, but snow does occur in Saudi Arabia very occasionally each year. In this article, we’ll take a look at exactly when it snows in Saudi Arabia, what happens when it does, and why this isn’t something that typically happens.
Given the desert nature of the climate in the regions of Saudi Arabia, snowfall in the country is very uncommon and unpredictable. According to meteorologists, the temperatures have to be quite low for snow to form and snowfall doesn’t often come until temperatures reach around -6 degrees Celsius or lower. The most recent occurrence of snowfall in Saudi Arabia was in December 2020 in the northern parts of the country.
The rarity of snow falling in Saudi Arabia is due to the climate and geography of the region. While not all of Saudi Arabia is a desert, the majority of the land is composed of barely any precipitation and high temperatures, so snow seldom ever falls in the region. The coldest areas of the country, the sandy desert which is sometimes referred to as the “Empty Quarter”, is the only place where snow can fall.
Expert Perspectives
Experts have suggested that the lack of precipitation in Saudi Arabia is what contributes to the rarity of snowfall in the region. The chances of snow are highest in the mountains of the country and the northern provinces, where there is minimal gravel and the air particles tend to be more dense due to more moisture. Most of the snowfall typically seen in Saudi Arabia has been light or very light snowfall and mainly in the northern provinces and mountain ranges.
“When snow does occasionally arrive in Saudi Arabia, it is usually accompanied with strong winds causing a dust storm,” said local meteorologist Yosef al-Hannani. “This is because the winds blow the snow around and keep it moving instead of settling on the ground”.
This dusty snow has become known as “Sleet” and while it is not the most common form of precipitation in the region, it does occur. Sleet is mainly found in the Red Sea coast and the Northern Provinces of Saudi Arabia.
Economic Impact
Apart from being a rare occurrence, the economic impact of snow in Saudi Arabia is not significant. While some people in the northern parts of the nation are known to make a living with ski resorts, they are mainly limited to the tourist industry, as skiing is not a sport taken seriously in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, while snow can provide some benefits to the research and science sectors, it is not something that has much economic impact in the country.
Social Impact
Despite the rarity of the event, when it does snow locals are often taken by surprise and joy. The last snowfall in the country was met with enthusiasm and joy by most people and images and videos of people having fun and building snowmen filled the web.
The social impact of snowfall in Saudi Arabia is mainly positive, as it gives people an opportunity to take part in activities that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. People are also able to escape the heat of the desert by building a fort or making snowballs.
Environmental Impact
Snowfall in Saudi Arabia has a surprisingly positive effect on the local environment. Scientists have observed that the snowfall helps to reduce the air temperature, resulting in a cooler atmosphere, and it also helps to reduce the amount of dust in the air.
The snow can also act as a natural insulation that helps protect plants and animals from the extreme temperatures. Additionally, snow has been known to help reduce the effects of pollution in the atmosphere, as it traps carbon dioxide and other substances in the snow. This helps to prevent the air from becoming too polluted.
Conservation Efforts
In order to protect the local environment and ensure that snowfall is not too detrimental to the environment, the government has implemented various conservation efforts.
The government has developed systems that allow the snow to be collected and used for agricultural purposes. The snow can be used to irrigate crops and reduce the amount of water wasted. Additionally, the water can be channeled into the local groundwater, helping to provide more water to the surrounding areas.
Technology and Snowfall
There is currently no way to accurately predict where or when it will snow in Saudi Arabia, but research is being conducted to better understand when snow might be able to form. Scientists are studying the atmosphere and the effects of different weather patterns to try and understand how and when snow can fall in the area.
In addition, technology is being used to monitor the snowfall. This is done via advanced satellites and aircraft, which allow meteorologists to observe and measure snowfall in the area. This is important data that can be used to predict when snowfall is likely to occur in the future.
Conclusion
Overall, snow is a rare occurrence in Saudi Arabia, typically confined to some parts of the northern regions. It is a phenomenon that has a wide-ranging impact, from the positive emotional effect it has on locals to its beneficial effect on the environment. While the conditions are rarely prime for snowfall in the area, advancements in technology could help us to better predict and prepare for any future occurrences.
