End of month

July is nearly over - fifty minutes to go. It has ended in the worst weather we've seen in a while. Strong winds and heavy rain during the afternoon. It has now cleared up a little. August commences with the hurricane season swinging into action.

Tropical storm Chantal is barrelling towards Newfoundland, which can expect severe gales and heavy rain - if that isn't already occurring. Here in the UK, the north (yep, muggins) can expect a swipe from Chantal as the remains of it sweep north past Iceland. I somehow see Friday descending into gales and rain.

Typhoon Usagi (aye, the rabbit with tiger inclinations) is making headway towards Japan, which can expect a hammerblow on Kyushu - sustained winds will exceed 125 mph.

A third tropical system is trying to keep the show on the road over the Pacific - it might pass south of Hawaii early next week, but it may also not survive the night.