The beginning of August has brought with it record rainfall, but no storms, according to the Bermuda Weather Service.

Meteorologist Mick Rice told The Royal Gazette the rainfall the Island has been receiving ever since last week is abnormal for the start of the month.

So far this month there has been 8.56 inches of rain -- and 4.3 inches of that has come in the last 24 hours. That compares to 1.70 inches at the beginning of August, 1996 and 3.61 inches for the entire month that year.

And while most people are hoping for the wet weather to end, local farmers could not be more delighted.

According to one St. George's farmer the heavy rainfall has been great for the early crops that are just now being sown.

"This time of the month seed are being sown for carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage,'' Carlos Amaral said.

"This should be a very good year for early crops. Normally these crops are late because of a lack of rain during this time of the year.'' Mr. Amaral added that late crops have also benefited from the rain.

"One guy showed me a 53-pound watermelon,'' he said, "and if you check it there are a lot of green local watermelons in the supermarkets. Bananas are going crazy too.

"If this keeps up, that would be great for germination.'' Farmer Joe Simons, the man who grew the 53-pound watermelon, said the rain had been a blessing.

"Well right now we have gotten a lot of rain and I think it's great,'' he said. "I've got these great big watermelons so I can't complain.'' Thomas Wadson, of Southampton, echoed similar sentiments. "It's made life a little easier,'' he said. "Normally it's very hot during this time of the year. It comes with great blessings.'' WHAT-A-MELON! -- Farmer Joe Simons poses with his extra large watermelon.