Brentwood's rainfall last month was not only more than double the May average of 47mm over the last 20 years, but was more than seven times last year's figure of 14mm.

Brentwood weather man Robert Veitch reports that May 2000 will not only be remembered for its record breaking rainfall, but as a month of extremes which included fog, hail, sleet, thunder and excessively cold winds.

Mr Veitch, who has been keeping meticulous records of Brentwood's weather for the last 20 years at his Bardeswell Close home, recorded that, remarkably, there was no measurable rainfall in the first 10 days of May.

He said: "The month's total rainfall of 103mm (4in) spread over three weeks was more than seven times last year's figure.

"Unusually for May, the temperatures in the first half, which included seven days in the 20C, were higher than the second half when night time temperatures of 3C and 4C were recorded.

"Although sun appeared on 24 days, most were interspersed with cloud or more often rain. All in all May was a most unusual month meteorologically.

"In case it has been forgotten, April was a much harsher month with 132mm of rain on 18 days and much lower temperatures," he added,

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