Snow was reported in northern areas of the country, an event residents say has occurred for the first time in around 30 years. A white blanket spread across vast desert stretches, from the Tuwaiq mountain range in the west to areas near Riyadh.
The rare weather event sparked excitement and disbelief, with residents sharing photos and videos on X showing landscapes covered in snow. In one widely shared clip, camels were seen standing in a snow covered desert under dark, looming clouds. Another video showed adults skiing, celebrating and recording a scene seldom witnessed in the kingdom.
Snow has fallen in Saudi Arabia. In the country’s northern regions, it has happened for the first time in the past 30 years
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) December 21, 2025
The snow covered desert areas across thousands of square kilometers — from the Tuwaiq mountain range in the west to regions closer to Riyadh. Local TV… pic.twitter.com/IKPzalcZ1v
Saudi Arabia, known for extreme heat and arid terrain, saw temperatures drop below 0°C in some regions, creating conditions suitable for snow accumulation on higher ground. The cold spell was also accompanied by widespread rainfall across several areas.
The unusual weather once again highlighted the growing impact of climate change, with extreme conditions appearing in regions largely unprepared to handle them.
According to the National Centre for Meteorology, the conditions were caused by a cold air mass pushing into central and northern regions, with temperatures expected to remain low.
The NCM also forecast a high chance of heavy snowfall in the Qassim region and northern parts of Riyadh on Thursday, December 25, 2025, as the intense weather system continues to affect large parts of the kingdom.
Authorities have advised the public to exercise extreme caution during the severe weather conditions.
