The Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) rose by five centimeters (just under 2 inches) between Thursday and Friday. Overall, the lake – Israel’s largest single source of fresh water – rose by 78 centimeters (30.7 inches) over the past week thanks to heavy rainfall.
The surface of the water is expected to rise by another 50 centimeters (19.7 inches) or so as rain-swollen rivers drain into the lake in the upcoming days.
Light rain continued to fall Friday in northern Israel and along the coast. Forecasters say the rain is coming to an end for now, and as it goes temperatures will rise. However, Friday will still remain cold for the season.
Predicted temperatures are: 2-7 degrees (35-45 F) in Kiryat Shemona, 2-3 (35-37 F) in Tzfat, 6-15 (43-59 F) in Haifa, 6-15 (43-59 F) in Tel Aviv, 3-8 (37-46 F) in Jerusalem, 2-13 (35-55 F) in Be’er Sheva, and 6-18 (43-64 F) in Eilat.
Saturday, the Sabbath, will be slightly warmer than Friday but still cool for the season. Strong eastern winds are expected in the morning.
Temperatures will return to the seasonal average on Monday of next week.