The Hebrew that is translated as “early rain” or similar in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) with “light rains.” In Malawi context, where Chichewa is mostly spoken, the light rain in reference is the type of rain that comes in the months of September or October to mark the end of the dry season. During the dry season, most bushes are set on fire. This makes the bushes to be covered with black ashes from the fire. The understanding is that the light rains cool the soil from the heat of the bush-fire and also remove the black ashes. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
See also rain in abundance.