August 16 edit
1950: Hurricane Hiki reached peak intensity as it passed north of Hawaii. At least 52 inches (1,300 mm) of rain was measured on Kauai; the number may have been higher, as the rain gauge overflowed.
1968: The ESSA-7 weather satellite was launched.
2003: Hurricane Erika made landfall in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, causing minor damage and two deaths.
2004: Flash flooding struck two villages in England, causing major damage.