JERUSALEM (JTA) — Rosh Hashanah storms set a September rain record in Israel.
Some 2.8 inches fell in the Golan Heights Sunday, and about 1.5 inches fell on Israel’s North, according to the Israel Water Authority. The rain continued on Monday in several areas of the country, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The amount of rain that fell Sunday is equal to the average total amount for September and October, according to reports. Israel typically sees little rain in September; the heavy rains begin in mid-October.
The rain comes after five years of severe drought. Forecasters, who have predicted a 25 percent increase in rainfall over last year, are concerned about what effect this year’s El Nino in the Pacific Ocean will have on rainfall in Israel. They say it could bring much rain to the region or cause an even more severe drought.
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