A historic scene of cotton snow falling in the Asir region in 2021.

On January 1, 2021, the Balsamar Center in Asir, southern Saudi Arabia, witnessed a rare weather event: cotton-flavored snow showers transformed the region into a magical white winter landscape. This event astonished residents and sparked widespread interest among those interested in weather and climate in the Kingdom.

Why did cotton snow fall on Balsamar?

• Altitude of Balsamar Center: more than 3000 meters above sea level.
• Temperatures dropping: touching zero degrees Celsius.
• Cold air currents interact with high humidity, causing water vapor to condense and form cottony snowflakes.

Reactions and historical documentation

Thousands shared photos and videos on social media, while experts described the event as one of the rarest weather events in the Kingdom, emphasizing that it demonstrates the power of nature in Asir and the importance of monitoring the weather in high-altitude areas during winter.