A polar low-pressure system bringing heavy rain and powerful winds swept through the Gaza Strip on Saturday, worsening conditions for displaced Palestinians sheltering in fragile tents and overcrowded facilities with little protection from the elements.
The system is the third polar low to affect the Palestinian territories this winter, beginning Saturday afternoon, and is expected to continue until Sunday evening, with a fourth low-pressure system forecast to hit the area starting Monday, meteorologist Laith al-Allami told Anadolu Agency (AA).
The current system is expected to intensify later Saturday, though rainfall totals will likely be lower than those recorded during the last storm that hit Gaza about two weeks ago, he added.
He said the storm will be accompanied by strong wind gusts ranging from 70 to 80 kilometers (49 miles) per hour, with rainfall expected to be heavy at times and accompanied in some areas by hail.
Temperatures are expected to drop to around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) during evening hours, increasing the hardship faced by displaced people, he said.
