The heavy rains and consequent floods that swept across Israel in recent days gave way on Monday to strikingly cold temperatures which are expected to drop even lower throughout the night.
In northern Israel, temperatures fell to as low as -5.4℃ (42℉), while in Jerusalem and southern Israel, temperatures sank to as low as 1.1℃ (34℉) and 1.9℃ (35℉), respectively.
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Visitors enjoy a snowy day on Mount Hermon, January 17, 2022
(Photo: Mount Hermon Ski Resort)
On Tuesday, temperatures will rise slightly during the day, with local showers in northern Israel throughout the night.
The rain is expected to travel to the central and coastal areas of the country Wednesday night and may cause floods.
Israeli travelers wishing to visit Mount Hermon's popular ski resort on Wednesday are in for a disappointment as a snowstorm is expected to hit Israel's highest peak.
"The site was open to visitors on Monday and will remain open on Tuesday. We hope that after the expected storm on Wednesday we will be able to open the site again... We are optimistic and hope to open the site again this week," the ski resort's spokeswoman Mickey Inbar told Ynet.
On Thursday, some parts of the country may experience local showers before rising temperatures over the weekend would bid adieu to Israel's frosty spell.
Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Municipality is bracing for the off-chance of snow blanketing the capital.
"We are preparing, but don't get your hopes up. We're taking care of the homeless, including beds, supplies, food and hot drinks. We're also taking those who will it to homeless shelters," said Jerusalem Municipality Director-General Itzik Larry.