A window in heaven above was suddenly opened; out of it, without the warning cry of Gardyloo--well known in Edinburgh of old--a bucket of warm water, happily clean, was emptied on each of our heads; and the next moment all was bright again.

A thunder-shower, without a warning thunder-clap, was to me a new phenomenon, which was repeated several times that day.

The suddenness and the heaviness of the tropic showers at this season is as amusing as it is trying.

The umbrella or the waterproof must be always ready, or you will get wet through.

And getting wet here is a much more serious matter than in a temperate climate, where you may ride or walk all day in wet clothes and take no harm; for the rapid radiation, produced by the intense sunshine, causes a chill which may beget, only too easily, fever and ague not to be as easily shaken off.
The cause of these rapid and heavy showers is simple enough.