For the residents of Boston there's been too much rain this week. A deep Spring low has deposited over a months rain in Massachusetts in the past day and a half. The gloom will be lifted as the depression sweeps into the Atlantic but a cold northwest wind will bring a drop in the mercury level this weekend.

Further south in the United States, it was an unusually cold and windy start for the golfers in Duluth, Georgia. Early starters were complaining of 'freezing temperatures' - I always use that excuse though when I have a bad round. No excuses this weekend though as it should turn warmer in the sunshine and lighter wind.

Golfers in the Algarve had to contend with blustery showers for the opening round of the Portugese Open. The showers followed another band of rain in what has been a very wet few weeks for the Iberian peninsular. Wettest weather yesterday was in Jerez in Spain with 25mm of rain, not far off the months average. Better news for holidaymakers and golfers alike as the weekend should be dry, warmer and sunnier.

In Saudi Arabia, rain would be a bit of a novelty at the moment. After a drier than average Winter, many people were out praying for the rain to start. Most of the countrys 19 million people get there water from deep water well and water desalination plants. Showers are expected later this weekend but this unlikely to make a significant difference.

Showers moving south through the Gulf may make a difference at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday. Gusty winds could be a problem for the organisers, just as well they have sprayed a special glue over the sand around the circuit to prevent it being picked up by the wind.

Related Links :
NOAA Drought Information Centre

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Weather News from the last five days:
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