Weather forecasters said Thursday that the day would be hotter and dryer than is usual for the season.  Skies will be partially cloudy, they said, with a chance of rain in the north.  The afternoon is expected to be hazy.

Temperatures will rise throughout the day.  Temperatures are expected to range between roughly 14 and 25 degrees Celsius in the north, 16-28 in the central district and Jerusalem region, and 15-31 in the Negev and Eilat.