Saudi Arabia: Snowfall and thunderstorms expected across multiple regions this week

Saudi Arabia could see snowfall this week, with Qassim, Tabuk, Hail, and northern Riyadh among the regions likely to be affected. At the same time, thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds are possible in other areas, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay alert as the weather system developsThe National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has warned that a major weather system will continue to affect large parts of Saudi Arabia, with the Qassim region and northern Riyadh facing a high chance of snowfall on Thursday. This alert follows three days in which Qassim was under a red warning for heavy rain and potential floods.Snowfall is expected to begin on Wednesday in the highlands of Tabuk and Hail, where temperatures are forecast to drop below zero degrees Celsius. Lighter snowfall and frost may also touch parts of the northeastern highlands of the Madinah region, making conditions particularly cold and hazardous in elevated areas.Monday saw mostly light, continuous rainfall in Riyadh, described by NCM spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani as drizzle, though some neighborhoods experienced moderate to heavy showers with hail during the evening. According to official monitoring stations, Riyadh recorded a maximum of 12 mm of rain, while the highest total in the wider region reached 24 mm at King Khalid Royal Reserve. Al-Qahtani also emphasized that social media videos showing flooding were inaccurate and urged the public to rely on official weather updates.Across the Kingdom, moderate to heavy thunderstorms are forecast over Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the Northern Borders, with the risk of flash floods. Hail and strong, gusty winds are likely to accompany the storms. Moderate rainfall is expected in Tabuk, Al-Jouf, Hail, and Qassim, and fog may form in some areas. Overall, weather conditions will range from partly cloudy to cloudy, with rain-bearing thunderclouds developing over western and southwestern regions.The Red Sea and Arabian Gulf are also expected to experience rough conditions. In the Red Sea, northwesterly to northerly winds will blow at 25–50 km/h in the north and center, and 12–32 km/h in the south, with gusts exceeding 60 km/h during storms. Wave heights could reach 2.5 meters, with sea conditions ranging from moderate to rough. In the Arabian Gulf, winds of 15–40 km/h may exceed 60 km/h during thunderstorms, while waves are expected to rise above 2.5 meters, with seas ranging from slight to rough.The NCM continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving weather system closely. Authorities are urging residents to follow official guidance, stay well-informed, and take necessary precautions as rainfall, hail, snow, and strong winds affect large parts of the Kingdom.