Saudi Arabia | Does the growing La Niña phenomenon herald severe cold waves this winter?

The Kingdom is preparing for a different winter this year, as the latest NOAA reports indicate that the La Niña phenomenon is expected to return in the coming period, with its effects continuing throughout the winter of 2025–2026, before shifting back to a neutral state in early 2026.

What is La Niña?

La Niña is a phenomenon characterized by a drop in the temperature of the tropical Pacific Ocean, which affects the distribution of atmospheric pressure and weather patterns around the world.

How does La Niña affect Saudi Arabia and the Gulf?

• Cold waves are likely to occur at scattered intervals during the winter.
• Possible periods of rain interruption, especially in the northern and central regions.
• Varied impact on rainfall, with the possibility of increased chances of drought in some areas.

What about snow?

Despite La Niña's influence on the weather, there is no direct correlation with the chances of snowfall in the Kingdom. It depends primarily on the path of cold air masses and pressure and humidity systems in the upper atmosphere.

Arab Weather Forecast Summary

• This year's Saudi winter may be colder than usual at times, with rainfall varying from one region to another.
• Daily monitoring of Arab Weather updates is essential to knowing the true chances of rain or cold snaps, especially given the expected fluctuations of this winter.

The greatest knowledge remains with God Almighty, for He is the Manager of everything in the heavens and the earth.