Unexpected hail in Saudi Arabia covered the desert with a white blanket.

The unexpected hailstorm in the Al-Jawf region of Saudi Arabia completely changed the appearance of the desert. Hailstones the size of golf balls covered the desert with a white blanket, transforming the area into a winter landscape.

According to a statement from the Saudi press agency, the rains that have been ongoing since last Wednesday filled the valleys in the region with water. Images shared on social media show the desert, which is normally covered with yellow sands, completely blanketed in white.

Such weather events are quite rare in Saudi Arabia, known for its temperatures typically exceeding 40 degrees. However, this is not the first time. In 2021, temperatures in the Asir region of the country dropped to -2 degrees, resulting in snowfall. Photos taken at that time showed camels walking in the snow-covered terrain, which received extensive coverage in the global press.

Meteorology experts stated that this unusual weather phenomenon was caused by a low-pressure system coming from the Arabian Sea. They announced that heavy rain, hail, and strong winds are expected in the region in the coming days.

While it is surprising to see such weather events in a desert climate, it is not impossible. Night temperatures in deserts can drop suddenly, but the snow or hail that falls usually melts quickly the next day. A similar event occurred in the Sahara Desert in 2022, where sand dunes were covered in snow due to sub-zero temperatures.