Description:

Here in Upper Normandy, Seine-Maritime, the long drought ended on Bastille Day with over four hours of heavy rain.Just as the 14 July ceremonies ended and everyone descended to the Salle des Fetes for the Vin d'Honneur, the heavens opened for the benefit of local gardeners and farmers.

With no appreciable rain for some time and temperatures in the 30's , the dry spell had seemed to be set to stay.Now with more equable temperatures, a drying wind and high clouds, gardeners will appreciate not having to water their pot plants and hanging baskets every evening.Farmers will avoid having to irrigate the maize.Quite a lot of the cereal harvest has been done.