Freak storms have brought snow to a region of Saudi Arabia for the first time.

Heavy rain and large hailstones began falling in the desert country’s Al-Jawf region last week, turning vast stretches of the normally arid landscape white.

Images of the ice-covered terrain have been shared widely on social media, showing it almost unrecognisable under a blanket of white from hail the size of golf balls.

PHOTOS: Rare snowfall transforms Saudi desert Al-Jawf into a winter landscape #SaudiArabia #AlJawf #Snowfall https://t.co/sGUSTRaVmu

By @ankushinscience pic.twitter.com/o6UPV62qk3

— Business Insider India🇮🇳 (@BiIndia) November 8, 2024

The Saudi Press Agency said the unusual weather had also given new life to the region’s rivers and waterfalls.

“The Al-Jawf region has been blanketed in white since yesterday and this morning due to falling hail and heavy rainfall in the northern part of Sakaka City and Dumat al-Jandal Governorate,” it said last week.

“Heavy rains, accompanied by significant amounts of hail, have continued to fall across various parts of Al-Jawf since last Wednesday, saturating the ground with water and causing streams to flow, heralding a promising spring season.

“The Al-Jawf region is known for its seasonal wildflowers in spring, including lavender, daisies, and a variety of aromatic plants.”

The al-Jawf 🇸🇦 region is painted white due to the cold weather and ☃️ snow. pic.twitter.com/u9ao86imgO

— Life in Saudi Arabia (@LifeSaudiArabia) November 6, 2024

The Saudi Meteorological Centre also issued severe weather warnings for more hail, heavy rain, and strong winds in coming days. They are forecast to cause travel delays and poor visibility.

The United Arab Emirates’ National Centre of Meteorology attributed the storm to a low-pressure system moving from the Arabian Sea. It brought moisture-rich air that triggered the unusual weather when it met the intense desert heat.