2016 Saudi Arabian snowstorm

The 2016 Saudi Arabian snowstorm was an extreme weather event in late November 2016, in which parts of the Arabian desert in Saudi Arabia experienced subzero temperatures, snowfall and flooding.

Snow was first reported in northern parts of Saudi Arabia on 23 November. By 25 November, temperatures as low as −4 °C (25 °F) were reported in Turaif, in Northern Borders Region, and there was snow cover in central and northeastern regions.[1][2][3] Normal seasonal temperatures do not fall below 20 °C (68 °F).[4] Many Saudis enjoyed unusual outdoor activities such as building snowmen and sliding;[5] however, the snow was followed by rain and lightning that caused flooding and led to the deaths of at least 7 people.[2][6]

As of 22 December 2016, snow had also fallen in Palestine, Syria and other parts of the Middle East.[7]

Snow has occasionally occurred in Saudi Arabia in previous winters. In 2013 a video of a man somersaulting in snow there circulated on social media.[4] In January 2016, snow fell between Mecca and Medina for the first time in 85 years.[2]

References
  1. Dhafer Al-Bakri (27 November 2016). "Below zero? Snow covers sand in Saudi regions". Al Arabiya.
  2. "Saudi Arabia deserts covered in snow, followed by deadly floods". The Watchers. 30 November 2016.
  3. "Past Weather in Turaif, Saudi Arabia — November 2016". timeanddate. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
  4. "Frozen deserts shock Saudi Arabia as -3 cold snap brings blankets of snow". news.com.au. 30 November 2016.
  5. "Parts of Saudi Arabia covered in snow, temperatures plunge". The Indian Express. 30 November 2016.
  6. "Heavy rain, floods in Saudi Arabia leave seven dead". Saudi Gazette. 30 November 2016 – via Al Arabiya English.
  7. "Snow blankets parts of Israel, Syria and the Middle East". The Telegraph (slideshow). UK. 22 December 2016.
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