Once, we were about to go on stage at an outdoor festival and the heavens opened.

BBC: Reg Presley of The Troggs dies aged 71

And then, as if on cue, the heavens opened, rain lashing those gathered on the riverbanks below.

CNN: Eyes of world on spectacular Thames royal pageant

On the evening when the heavens opened, few taxi drivers went on duty, leaving passengers stranded across the city.

FORBES: Beijing Taxi Drivers Share Blame In Flood Aftermath

The home side reached 224-4 before the heavens opened, with Peters ending the day still at the crease on 124 not out.

BBC: Peters century thwarts Glamorgan

Last year at Congressional the heavens opened and softened all the greens, allowing the bold to fire at pins in a most un-U.S. Open style.

CNN: June 13, 2012 -- Updated 1445 GMT (2245 HKT)

Ireland had a shade more than a run-a-ball to chase, but eight deliveries into their reply the heavens opened again, although no overs were lost after a short delay.

BBC: England through as rain wipes out Ireland match

But the McLaren man came good in the end, overtaking Toyota's Timo Glock, who had stayed out on dry tires as the heavens opened, to snatch fifth with the checkered flag in sight.

CNN: F1 champion Hamilton ecstatic after Brazil drama

The pair were tied at four games all in the first set with Ferrer 40-15 ahead on his own service when the heavens first opened.

CNN: King of clay Nadal claims record-equaling Masters title

When the heavens finally opened above Court Philippe Chatrier moments later, after threatening all day, the tie was in the balance with Federer serving at 6-3 3-6 5-5 (30-15).

BBC: Robin Soderling stuns Roger Federer at French Open