Tal UMatar - for whom?

Question

According to the build-up in this question the point of Tal UMatar is to pray for good rains in one's local area. The same seems to be assumed in other questions and especially a couple of different answers. But is that right? I always thought the purpose of the Berachah was primarily (or at least partially) for Eretz Yisrael but that the reason for waiting to recite it was so people returning from their 'Aliyah LeRegel would not be met with a deluge preventing their return to their homes abroad. Is my understanding faulty (or just fuzzy)? It seems the logic therein is reflected, at least, in this answer.

Sources, please.

Answer 1

In Israel, we shift to Tal UMatar on the 7th of Cheshvan, because that is generally when the rainy season starts in Israel.

In Bavel, the rainy season started 60 days after the equinox, so that is the date used by Bavel.

Likely your confusion comes from the fact that general Jewish practice is to follow the dates of Bavel even though the country they live in does not have Bavel's weather patterns. Why Jews who live in Europe or Australia or Hawaii, follow the weather in Bavel instead of their own location is something I've never understood. But the bracha, as described by the Talmud is meant to be done for the location you are in.

(Cf. Shulhan 'Aruch 117 and Mishnah Berurah ad loc, S"k 5)

Answer 2

We do wait for travelers before praying for rain. The reason given (Mishna in Taanis 10A) for why we wait 15 days after Sukkot, until the 7th of Cheshvan, is in order to ensure that the last travelers can pass the Euphrates River before the rain comes (Rabbeinu Gershom) and makes the river difficult to pass (Rashi).

Once the 7th of Cheshvan comes, all the travelers have left the land of Israel, and Israel can start praying for rain.

The Gemara then continues to tell us that outside of Israel they wait until 60 days after the Tekufat Tishre to start the prayer for rain. Rashi says that this is because Bavel is a low place and therefore doesn't need as much water. Rashi later says that we (the rest of Chutz LeAretz) follow the customs of Bavel. The Mishna Berurah (117:1:5) says the same thing.