Snow in the desert? The rare phenomenon in Saudi Arabia, a confirmation of climate change?

Saudi Arabia's Al-Jawf region has experienced its first snowfall on record, transforming the arid landscape into a winter wonderland. With snowflakes covering the sand dunes, social media has been awash with stunning photos of this rare phenomenon, perhaps giving some climate change deniers a second thought.

Who says you can't have a white desert Christmas? Saudi Arabia's Al-Jawf region has just experienced its "first snowfall on record," turning the arid desert into an unexpected winter wonderland. Forget palm trees and sand dunes, snowflakes were the main theme this week in the desert.

This historic snowstorm was no ordinary dusting. It followed a raging wave of rain and hailstorms that swept through the kingdom, blanketing the mountainous areas with snow. The once arid desert landscape now looks more like the Swiss Alps (if the Alps had a desert twist).

Social media exploded with photos and videos of snow-covered sands, providing a contrast to the usual golden hues of the desert.

What caused this strange meteorological miracle? A low pressure system brewing in the Arabian Sea is to blame for this, according to the UAE's National Center for Meteorology (NCM). This system brought a wave of moisture-laden air that collided with the desert heat, producing thunder, hail and, presumably, snow.

As for the aftermath, Saudi Arabia's weather department is advising residents to prepare for more thunderstorms, hail and strong winds in the coming days. No one is dusting off their snow boots, but there's still a good chance for thunderstorms, hail and some seriously strong winds, which could reduce visibility and hamper travel. So while the snow was a welcome surprise, locals are being asked to remain on high alert for more unusual weather.

For now, Al-Jawf is basking in the rarest glimpses of desert snow. The only thing more surprising than the snowfall itself? The fact that the desert may not be done with its winter wonderland act.