Sunshine expected for Purim revelries

Rising temperatures expected later in the week despite precipitation in the north

Temperatures are expected to rise over the course of the week leading to the Purim holiday, meteorologists report.

Schools will close for the week on Tuesday afternoon as revelers take to the streets and families head to national parks over the holiday. Purim is celebrated on Wednesday night worldwide — with the exception of ancient walled cities such as Jerusalem, where it will be celebrated Thursday night.

Temperatures will dip slightly in the north on Monday, accompanied by cloudy skies and local rains.

On Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures will rise throughout the country, delivering sunshine and what meteorologists are calling a minor “heatwave” into the weekend.

Purim is celebrated with outdoor festivals, parades and extensive touring throughout the country.

Channel 10 reported Monday’s temperatures as follows: Golan Heights 7-16°C (45-61°F); 6-13°C (43-55°F) in the northern mountains; 11-21°C (52-70°F) in the Sea of Galilee; Haifa 11-16°C (52-61°F); Tel Aviv 11-18°C (52-64°F); Jerusalem 7-13°C (45-55°F); Beersheba 6-18°C (43-64°F); 7-14°C (45-57°F) in the Negev mountains; Dead Sea 16-23°C (61-73°F); and Eilat 13-24°C (55-75°F).