Storm Byron struck Israel on Thursday, bringing substantial rainfall to areas such as the southern coastal plain, the foothills, and the southern regions. For farmers in these areas, who have faced a severe drought in recent winters, this is a moment of optimism.
2024 was officially declared a drought year, with rainfall well below the long-term average for vital crops such as wheat, barley, clover, and alfalfa. Many farmers were left struggling with poor yields, high irrigation costs, and immense uncertainty, all while facing millions of shekels in losses. However, now, thanks to the heavy rainfall brought by Byron- falling in some places by tens of millimeters - the fields are coming back to life.
In the southern fields, seeds for wheat, clover, and alfalfa were sown prior to the rains. These crops are crucial for winter grazing and animal feed.
"The rain came just in time. It’s soaking deeply into the soil, filling the water reservoirs, and allowing the seeds to sprout and grow," a farmer from the Eshkol region said.
Farmers in southern Israel say Storm Byron affects output
Hadar Ezra, a farmer from the Lachish Regional Council, shared her relief.
"It feels like taking a first breath after years of suffocation. We sowed with hope and faith in the Creator, and now, the rain has come, and everything is starting to bloom."
"The rain not only saves the current crop, but it also prepares the ground for the next season, improving soil fertility and reducing the need for artificial irrigation," she added.
Menashe, a farmer from the Shafir Regional Council, expressed his gratitude.
"I prayed, I prayed, how long we’ve waited, my God! Don’t forget to thank the Creator, and of course, keep praying and hoping that this rain is here to stay.
"Agriculture belongs to all of Israel, not just us farmers. It’s vital that all of Israel continues to pray - this is our Zionist enterprise."
After a long period of hardship, it seems that Byron has brought a glimmer of hope to Israel's farming community.
How much rainfall did Byron cause?
Storm Byron brought significant rainfall and caused considerable damage from the Sharon area down to the Negev and the Gaza Envelope.
The Carmel Mountains experienced an impressive 210 mm of rain, while over 100 mm fell in a single day across the coastal plain and the Negev's hotel region. The storm, which lasted from Tuesday morning to early Friday, caused widespread flooding and flash flooding.
Meteorological reports indicate that Kibbutz Ein Carmel in the Carmel Coast area topped the rainfall totals, receiving a staggering 162.3 mm of rain. This was spread over three days: 65.3 mm on Tuesday, 78.9 mm on Wednesday, and 18.1 mm on Thursday. Other locations in the Carmel area also saw significant rainfall, including the Technion in Haifa, with 141.2 mm, and the University of Haifa, with 140.2 mm. In Zichron Ya'akov, 118.3 mm were recorded over the same period.
Further south, the Judean Shephelah saw impressive totals too, with Kibbutz Netiv HaLahav recording 107.4 mm, and the Green Village just slightly less at 106.5 mm. Other notable locations that experienced heavy rainfall include Beit Dagan (106.1 mm) and Kibbutz Rosh Tzurim in Gush Etzion, which recorded 106.4 mm, much of it falling on the final day of the storm.