Northern Saudi Peninsula shrouded in snow, how did it happen?

MOSAIC-INDONESIA.COM, RIYADH -- The desert that stretches across the Al-Jauf region, the northern part of Saudi Arabia, has  a rare phenomenon. The brown dust grains that usually color the peninsula now appear to be shrouded in the white of snow. 

Such natural phenomena occur after the fall of rain accompanied by dense and relentless ice. The hail struck most of the northern part of Sakaka City and Dumat Al-Jandal which came within the Al-Jouf region. The area, which is famous for a number of spring crops such as lavender, chrysanthemums, and a large number of aromatic plants, is no longer brown.

Rivers, valleys, and streams of water—which were usually dry—are now flowing again. However, the infrequent snowfall is not without consequences. Strong thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail are expected to continue. The storm made for reduced horizontal visibility in the desert. For the first time, the mountains, which are usually dry and arid, were covered with snow after storms hit the region a few weeks ago. This climate shift has made the landscape of the region almost unrecognizable anymore, according to weather.com.

According to the forecasts of the National Meteorological Center (NCM) of Saudi Arabia, there are still thunderstorms in most provinces of the Al-Jouf region accompanied by strong winds over the coming days. The weather information website revealed that the cause of the unusual weather is linked to the presence of low pressure over the Arabian Sea, which carries water-rich air so that it collides with the extreme desert heat in the region. This phenomenon also provokes the occurrence of storms.

The NCM also issued a warning of more bad weather in the coming days. The NCM warned of heavy rain in the Al-Jouf region, accompanied by strong winds, lack of visibility, hail, heavy rain, and thunderstorms in the Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal regions.

Saudi Arabia's Red Crescent Authority in the Al-Jouf region has stepped up preparedness to respond to warnings about the current rainy conditions in the region and some spots in the area. That extreme weather event has also taken locals and experts by surprise.

The NCM also urged residents to be prepared for possible disruption as this unusual weather pattern continues. The rare weather phenomenon is now fuelling concerns over climate change that could have a long-term impact on the region.

During hot weather, temperatures in the region were previously reported to jump up to 55°C. Therefore, the sudden appearance of frost is considered surprising. The U.K.-based Metro news website reported that a low-pressure area was bringing humid air to this arid location. The phenomenon caused thunderstorms, hail, and rain across Saudi Arabia and neighboring UAE.

CNBC shared the UAE Meteorological Center's appeal for residents to prepare for more severe weather. These unusual conditions can reduce visibility and disrupt travel in the Saudi Arabian desert.

Oppose to popular belief, deserts can experience snow.For example, the Sahara has experienced many recorded frost events over the past few decades.

The Conversation website explains that snow needs cool temperatures and humid air for the formation process. Recent low-pressure areas may draw cold, moist air into the Al-Nafūd desert, allowing snow to fall.

Snow can form on plateaus such as the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.If the air is cold enough, water vapor can freeze into snow crystals and envelop the region in white.

The World Bank says West Asia is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate-related impacts.Despite recent snowfalls, projections show an increase in average temperatures.In the near future, it could lead to increasingly erratic and extreme weather patterns.