A slow-moving low pressure system over central southern parts of the Mediterranean brought heavy rain and flooding to parts of North Africa on Monday last week. Some 147mm was recorded at Zaghouan Magrane in northern Tunisia in the 12 hours up to 7am on Monday.

The same depression created a potent set up last Friday as southern France and northern Italy became the focus of widespread heavy rain and severe thunderstorms. Torrential rain, intensified by the mountains, resulted in water overpowering the natural drainage systems. Passo dei Giovi, about 20 miles north of Genoa, recorded 109mm in the 12 hours to 7pm on Friday, and this intense rainfall caused flash flooding downstream in Genoa as the river banks failed to contain the rising water. During the same period, La Grande-Combe in the Gard department of southern France recorded 95mm, while Barnas in Ardèche measured 271mm in the 36 hours up to 7am on Saturday. [guardian]

Heavy rain storms affected south Florida on Monday as well. Vero Beach received 91mm in just seven hours, with a total 557mm for the month, making it the second wettest month on record in the city, just behind September 2004.

Tropical storm Keila developed in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday and then moved across Oman, bringing torrential rain and flash floods across much of the sultanate. At least 14 lives were claimed, and floodwaters swept cars along the streets.