Heavy rains in Israel
Heavy rains in IsraelIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Heavy rain storms over the weekend blessed the Land of Israel with a drink for the parched earth and a rise in the water level of Lake Kinneret.

Nevertheless, far more is needed before the lake, also known as the Sea of Galilee, will return to healthy levels.

Despite recent heavy rains, the water level of the lake rose Sunday morning by one one centimeter – less than one inch, according to Israel's Water Authority. It is expected to rise by a much larger amount this week following run-off from nearby hills.

Most of the rain fell in the center of the country and along the coast, bringing much-needed moisture to the aquifers there and in Samaria.

Rain is still in the forecast for Sunday, with gradual clearing expected during the week, meteorologists have said.

By the time the current storm system clears out Tuesday, Israel will have seen eight straight days of rain in November --- a record dating back to 1994.