How did the harsh winter affect the Arab siege of Constantinople?

During the Arab siege of Constantinople (717–718), a severe winter served as one of the critical factors that compelled the Arab commander, Maslamah ibn ʿAbd al-Malik, to abandon the effort.1

The harsh weather conditions exacerbated the difficulties faced by the besieging forces, who were already struggling against Emperor Leo III’s skillful defense. This defense was bolstered by the use of Greek fire, desertions from the Arab fleet, and a strategic assault by the Bulgars against the Arab troops encamped in Thrace. Together, these pressures forced the abandonment of what was the second and supreme Arab attempt to capture the city.1