Winter Wonderland in The Arabian Dessert: Is This Meteorological Marvel Or Climate Change Alarm?

The Al-Jawf region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been experiencing heavy rains and hail. A frosty coat of snowfall now blankets it, creating a spectacular view. Social media is delighted.Snowy capes, scenic waterfalls, and water-filled valleys have been doing the rounds. Climate experts think it’s a forewarning, although for now there are some good things to look forward to during the spring season in Al-Jawf.

Al-Jawf is better known for its moderate climate, abundant groundwater and very fertile soil. It is also referred to as the “food basket of the Kingdom” because of its high production of wheat and olive oil in the Kingdom. While most of Saudi Arabia is known for its desserts and sand dunes, Tabuk which is 2,600 meters above the sea-level in the north-western region of the Kingdom, experiences snowfall every year. This is due to its elevation and the cold winds that blow in from Europe and Siberia. Tabuk and Al-Jawf regions are entirely different in their flora and fauna. What could snow in Al-Jawf mean for an otherwise arid terrain in Saudi Arabia?

To Worry or Not to Worry?

The Saudi Press Agency reported that the region experienced snowfall because of a low-pressure system originating from the Arabian Sea, extending over Oman. This brought in the moisture laden air into Saudi Arabia which collided with dessert heat and resulted in thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hail, strong winds and snowfall. Earlier this year Dubai and Oman experienced heavy floods due to torrential rains.Oman shares land borders with Saudi Arabia. Climate change experts have been showing concern over heavy and unexpected rainfall due to rising global temperatures in the region. Saudi Arabia has been witnessing a lot of climate change. A research paper on extreme rains and climate change in Saudi Arabia states that the region has been experiencing an increase in intense rainfalls. While the frequency of weak rain episodes has been on the decline, the northwest, east and southwestern region of the Kingdom have been experiencing extreme rainfall events, stated the research paper.

Saudi Arabia is prone to extreme high temperatures. According to the G20 Climate Risk Atlas, the Kingdom is likely to experience longer heatwaves. There is also the risk of rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather conditions.Episodes of agricultural droughts and increasing desertification of land are also not being ruled out. Saudi Arabia may stand to lose almost 12.2 per cent of its GDP by 2050 due to climate change, states the Climate Risk Atlas.

Spring Hope

What does an episode of snowfall, followed by more rain, then bring to the Al-jawf region? Possibly, it’s a good thing for now,experts say. The snowfall will revitalize the landscape. It would leave moisture in the ground for good crops to grow during the spring. Last year’s May issue of Vogue Arabia photographed an open sea of lavender fields dotted with elm and basil at Al-Jawf. Maybe this spring there will be more colour after the white snow melts away. 

Caution Ahead

Heavy rains and thunderstorm alerts have been sounded by UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Strong winds would also accompany these storms which could lead to damage. The residents have been advised by the Kingdom’s Directorate –General of Civil Defense (DGCD) and NCM to take precautions.

According to the World Bank, West Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate-related impacts. Projections indicate rising average temperatures could lead to increasingly erratic and extreme weather patterns. Unusual weather events such as snowfall in deserts may continue to rise due to changing atmospheric conditions. So, while this makes a good picture for the keepsake, the reasons behind it are no less alarming.