With the Water Authority strike behind us after two months, we are now aware that Baruch Hashem Am Yisrael has so far this winter merited an abundance of rainfall.

The big weather news this week surrounds rumors of snowfall with accumulations in Jerusalem. Forecasts speak of accumulations in high-elevation locations in the center of the country, usually, but this usually refers to elevations above 900 meters.

The current forecast, as of Monday afternoon, predicts the storm will be upon us during the predawn hours on Wednesday, but meteorologist Nachum Malek prefers to remain cautious, explaining at present, predictions of Jerusalem snow accumulations are simply premature, pushing off making such a commitment until Tuesday morning.

What Malek is willing to say at present is there will be a sharp drop in temperatures around the country, accompanied by strong winds and thundershowers, with snow in the Golan Heights expected. This will all begin during the predawn hours on Wednesday. Towards Wednesday evening, snowfall, which may be significant, may begin accumulating in Galil areas 800 meters and higher.

On Thursday, during the early morning hours, colder air is expected to move in, and this will bring a good chance of snow accumulations in Gush Etzion and Shomron in areas over 900 meters. This may also occur in Yerushalayim, but for now, Malek suggests waiting until Tuesday at which time there should be a clearer picture.

Temperatures will increase somewhat on Friday, but the rain is expected to continue on Friday and into shabbos.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)