In 150 years, it has not rained as heavily in Israel as it did during the first week of April. Nearly 11 cm. (4 inches) of precipitation fell in one night in Jerusalem, within a 10-hour period—20 percent of the total annual rainfall.
According to Israeli meteorologists, this not only surpassed seasonal records, but also shocked the nation when residents found themselves soaking wet. The April showers came as an unexpected surprise that resulted in a blessing, filling the Sea of Galilee and irrigating crops where there had been water shortages.
While the Sea of Galilee did rise, it still remains short of its “safe” level. Latest reports revealed that the Sea of Galilee was measured at 210.8 meters below sea level, still 2 meters below the level required to provide water to Israelis after the end of the rainy season.