Following recent heavy rains, the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) has risen by 4.5 centimeters in the last two days and is now nearly full. As spring arrives, the lake is just 73 centimeters away from its maximum level of 208.80 meters below sea level, as reported by the Kinneret Authority.
Several more periods of heavy rain in early spring would be needed for the Kinneret to reach its maximum level for the first time since 1992. Last year, the Kinneret did not even come close to reaching 1 meter from its maximum level.
In early 2023, Mekorot Israel National Water Co. and the Israel Water Authority initiated the “Reverse Water Carrier” project in the north. This project will allow desalinated water from the Mediterranean Sea to be transported inland to the Kinneret to help maintain the lake’s level during dry years with low rainfall.
Northern and central Israel have already exceeded their average annual rainfall, while Jerusalem and southern Israel have experienced below-average rainfall this year.
So far this winter, Safed has received 837 millimeters of rain, which is 122% of its average annual rainfall. Haifa has received 872 millimeters of rain, 136% of its average annual rainfall. Tel Aviv has received 625 millimeters of rain, 141% of its average annual rainfall, Jerusalem 443 millimeters of rain, 85% of its average annual rainfall, and Beersheva 107 millimeters of rain, 56% of its annual average rainfall.
Published by Globes, Israel business news – en.globes.co.il – on March 21, 2024.
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