Saudi Arabia's Asir region engulfed by cloud – in pictures

  • A stunning view of the sun above low cloud in Asir, in south-western Saudi Arabia.
    A stunning view of the sun above low cloud in Asir, in south-western Saudi Arabia.
  • Asir region is situated on a plateau and its varied landscape contains 100,000 square kilometres of coastal plain, mountains reaching 3,000 metres and upland valleys.
    Asir region is situated on a plateau and its varied landscape contains 100,000 square kilometres of coastal plain, mountains reaching 3,000 metres and upland valleys.
  • It is one of the kingdom's wetter regions, receiving an estimated 500 millimetres of rain annually.
    It is one of the kingdom's wetter regions, receiving an estimated 500 millimetres of rain annually.
  • The region is renowned for its banks of fog and low cloud in summer.
    The region is renowned for its banks of fog and low cloud in summer.
  • Cooler than other parts of Saudi Arabia, temperatures in Asir range from frosty mornings when fog and low cloud can reduce visibility to zero, to more than 30ºC.
    Cooler than other parts of Saudi Arabia, temperatures in Asir range from frosty mornings when fog and low cloud can reduce visibility to zero, to more than 30ºC.
  • Asir is home to coniferous forests and is an important agricultural region, with crops including grain and fruit.
    Asir is home to coniferous forests and is an important agricultural region, with crops including grain and fruit.
  • Its areas of unspoiled wilderness include Asir National Park, extending from the Red Sea coast through the western foothills to the Asir escarpment, which is home to more than 300 species of birds.
    Its areas of unspoiled wilderness include Asir National Park, extending from the Red Sea coast through the western foothills to the Asir escarpment, which is home to more than 300 species of birds.
  • A spectacular view of low cloud and hazy sunlight observed from an Asir peak.
    A spectacular view of low cloud and hazy sunlight observed from an Asir peak.