Why did rain delay the start of the Battle of Waterloo?

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Historical battle map showing troop positions at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, near Brussels, Belgium. Red lines represent Anglo-Dutch infantry and cavalry under Wellington, positioned north of French forces. Blue lines show French infantry and cavalry under Napoleon, with both armies facing each other across a central road. Key locations like Chateau de Goumont (Hougoumont) and Plancenoit are labeled, and an inset map highlights the location within present-day Belgium and Europe. — Battle of Waterloo Battle of Waterloo, June 18, 1815.

The start of the Battle of Waterloo was delayed because the ground was sodden from heavy rain. This muddy terrain compelled Napoleon to postpone the commencement of hostilities, with the first shots eventually being fired at 11:35 am on June 18, 1815.1