Saudi Arabia's deserts turn white amid rare hailstorms and torrential rains

The rare heavy rainfall and hailstorms battered parts of Saudi Arabia on Saturday, transforming desert landscapes into a winter wonderland. Authorities reported that the severe weather conditions left a thick layer of ice on the sand, resembling a white blanket covering the desert regions.

The extreme weather was witnessed in the northern regions of Tabuk and Hail, where dark clouds ushered in torrential downpours and hailstorms.

The abrupt wintry weather completely transformed the arid region, causing temperatures to drop sharply.

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According to the meteorological department, the ongoing storm and thundery weather are expected to last until Tuesday, with heavy and light rains likely to continue across the Kingdom.

Local residents felt the chill as temperatures dropped, and authorities have advised people to take precautions before heading out due to slippery pathways.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Civil Defense had issued a weather warning, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall across much of the country until Friday in Makkah, Riyadh, Medina, Tabuk, Hail, Qassim, the Eastern Province, Northern Borders, Al Jouf, Al Baha, and Asir.

Residents were urged to take necessary precautions, avoid flood-prone areas, and refrain from swimming in valleys. 

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Amid the unstable weather, the Makkah Education Department shifted in-person classes to remote learning in Makkah and the governorates of Al Jumum, Al Kamil, and Bahra.

All other institutions, including universities and colleges, also switched to remote learning, while some offices transitioned to work-from-home arrangements.