(Although right now, it's looking pretty sunny all of the sudden.)
And there have been destruction and tragedies as a result, may all those who've suffered be comforted among all the mourners of Yisrael.
But the rain also has a message.
Rain can both bring life and take life, as we've sadly seen.
And in Perek Shirah, the rain sings the following song from Tehillim/Psalms 68:10--
גֶּשֶׁם נְדָבוֹת, תָּנִיף אֱלֹהִים; נַחֲלָתְךָ וְנִלְאָה, אַתָּה כוֹנַנְתָּהּ
"A rain of generosities did You pour down, O Lord; when Your inheritance was weary, You fortified it."
The word translated as "Your heritage" or "Your inheritance" (nachalatcha) alludes to the Jewish people, who are the inheritance of Hashem.
He explains the rest of the verse as:
"And if Your inheritance grows weary in the hand of the enemy that already seized the cities of Jerusalem, You shall fortify it [i.e. Yisrael] so that they won't abandon everything and won't give Jerusalem to [the enemy's] hand
Even if the enemy has already gotten a few victories under his belt and you're totally exhausted, don't give up. God will fortify you so that you won't give up on what's most important.
Both Rashi and Malbim also describe this verse as comforting and encouraging.
Am Yisrael is in a desert where it doesn't rain, according to its innate nature. Yet when the people are weary and thirsty, Hashem not only sends them rain, but sends them an abundance of rain, "rains of generosity and blessing," says Rashi. "Like cool water on a depleted soul," says Malbim.
Literally, this verse refers to Am Yisrael during its time in the desert before the first Shavuot, before the Torah was given on Har Sinai.
But the metaphors are clear (especially if you read the entire Psalm).
The giving of the Torah slaked the soul's thirst and fortified the Jewish Nation.
But this rain also has a message for us.
When we are exhausted and thirsty, surrounded by hostile nations and in a hostile environment, God will send darkness and rain tribulations down on our haters while providing us with generous amounts of refreshing blessing, fortification, and renewed strength.
Hold fast to Yerushalayim (and all that it implies) and never give up.
__________
Related links:
Song of the Rain
Also, there has been an unusual amount of thunder and lightning in Eretz Yisrael.
Song of Lightning