On Wednesday afternoon my Internet connection failed - just before one of
the most dramatic weather events of the summer here. Now restored - and
the weather is much calmer too.

Brussels on Wednesday 18 August

All times local: GMT + 2

Very warm with sunny periods until mid-afternoon. Sky then became
increasingly threatening - thunder from time to time after 17.00. Rain
started at 1730 - not especially heavy at first. Occasional thunder and
lightning of moderate intensity. Rain became heavy towards 18.00 and from
1815 to 1825 fell in torrents with a force I have not seen for several
years. A real cloudburst but very little thunder at this stage in the
storm or later. Rain eased subsequently but moderate rain continued until
19.30. Rest of the evening was overcast.

A pity I have no rain gauge. I am fairly sure more rain fell here where I
live than was recorded at either of the Brussels official sites - I am about
6 miles from each.

Brussels Uccle 26.4°C - overnight minimum 17.3°C - and 20 mm rain.
Brussels Airport 26.8°C - overnight minimum 17.8°C - and 16 mm.

Colin Youngs
Brussels