As November draws to a close, different parts of the world have witnessed their fair share of extreme weather events. The Middle East, known for its arid climate characterized by hot temperatures, low humidity, and limited precipitation, has experienced extraordinary phenomena that defy expectations.
On 13th November in Saudi Arabia, the Al-Jawf region, located on the northern edge of the Al-Nafūd Desert, experienced what is believed to be the first-ever snowfall in the region’s history. This normally scorching and dry desert landscape, where summer temperatures can reach up to 55°C, was blanketed in snow, stunning both locals and visitors. This unprecedented event has sparked amazement and curiosity, as citizens had never before witnessed such a phenomenon in the desert’s arid environment. Some climate specialists attribute this event to cloud-seeding initiatives undertaken by the government to increase rainfall. They argue that the interaction between human-caused climate change and these interventions is creating an environment more prone to extreme weather events. As one expert explains, “While baseline atmospheric patterns remain consistent, the environment is being supercharged, making these phenomena not only possible but more frequent.” Others attribute the anomaly to global warming, noting that many of the world’s most intense and deadly weather events have been linked to climate change. Analyses of the ten deadliest climate disasters reveal that in all cases, climate change played a role in making these events more likely and severe.
On 11th November, heavy rainfall wreaked havoc across Lebanon, particularly in Beirut and surrounding areas. Floods disrupted daily life, closing a key road leading to Rafic Hariri International Airport and submerging several roads in the capital, including the airport tunnel. Emergency services worked tirelessly to rescue people trapped in their vehicles, particularly in Khaldeh, south of Beirut, where flooding was severe. The Lebanese Meteorological Department reported that the country is experiencing intense rainfall combined with winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) per hour. Temperatures have ranged between 13°C (55°F) at night and 23°C (73°F) during the day, further complicating efforts to manage the crisis.
Yesterday (19th November), Israel experienced record-breaking rains, particularly in its northern region and the Haifa area. Roads were inundated, and flash flood warnings were issued for the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea areas as the weather system moved southward. In Ma’agan Michael, drainage channels were overwhelmed, leading to localized flooding in the coastal kibbutz. The Israel Meteorological Service reported that nearby Zichron Yaakov recorded 196 millimeters (7.7 inches) of rainfall over a mere four hours—approximately 60% of the area’s average annual rainfall. This shattered regional records, though the national record for a single day remains 255 millimeters (10 inches), set in Kafr Qassem in November 1955. The rains are expected to continue through Friday, 24th November, potentially worsening the situation in already affected areas.