According to a report from INN, disappointing levels of run-off into the Kinneret may leave the lake with a shortfall of more than two meters before the summer. The level of Israel’s largest lake usually drops around two meters during the summer, meaning that it may lack four meters toward next winter.

The Kinneret on average rises between one and a half to two meters during the winter, but this year it has risen only 1.01 meters. Although last winter rains brought the country close to its average rainfall, the early winter drought caused a decline in the level of Kinneret due to irrigation demands of farmers.

Weather forecasters still are optimistic that more rain may fall next week.