Heavy rains are expected to spread from the north to the northern Negev Thursday afternoon before tapering off toward morning. Local showers will continue, primarily in the north, on Friday and the Sabbath. The rain will return Saturday night and intensify Sunday morning, accompanied by a dive in temperatures that will bring snow to the north and to Jerusalem at night and on Monday. Snow also is expected to make a rare appearance in lower areas, although not in Tel Aviv.

However, meteorologists report that it is not yet clear whether the snow next will be light or heavy. Water authorities are hoping for heavy precipitation, whether snow or rain, to help replenish underground aquifers and the Kinneret. The lake's level rose slightly more than one inch Tuesday and Wednesday and lacks slightly more than 3.5 meters.