Light snowfall is expected in Jerusalem and other mountainous areas in Israel on Tuesday, when many children are set to celebrate at school ahead of Purim. This would be the first time snow fell around Purim since the 1980's.
Purim is on Wednesday night and Thursday during the day in most of Israel and on Thursday night and Friday during the day in Jerusalem this year. Many schools throughout Israel conducted celebrations and encouraged students to come in costume a few days before the holiday.
Temperatures on Tuesday will range between 33°F (1°C) to 36°F (2°C) in Jerusalem, according to the local Yerushamayim weather site.
Light snowfall is expected from Tuesday morning through the evening, with a very thin accumulation forecasted.
Due to the expected winter weather on Tuesday, the Jerusalem Municipality, Har Hebron Regional Council and Binyamin Regional Council decided they will conduct Purim celebrations in schools on Monday instead, according to Kipa news.
The Jerusalem Municipality is activating its emergency headquarters and municipal emergency services and they will be ready to respond to any scenario. The municipality will salt the roads on the night between Monday and Tuesday and on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday.
As of Sunday evening, a regular school day is expected on Tuesday. A situation assessment will be held on Monday. The municipality advised residents to avoid driving or hazardous activities.
Although spring is only a week away, winter weather is expected throughout Israel in the coming week.
On Wednesday, temperatures will rise slightly to 41°F (5°C), with rainfall mixed with snow possible until the afternoon.
On Thursday, temperatures will rise to 50°F (10°C) and by Saturday temperatures will rise to 62°F (17°C).
The Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) rose by two centimeters on Sunday, rising to 209.53 meters below sea level, just 73 centimeters below the upper red line threshold.
The lake is now 3.47 meters above the lower red line.