Dodge the showers and support your local pub

Hospitality groups have urged the public to take advantage of a weekend break in the spring weather to visit local businesses which have been hampered by months of excess rainfall.

So far this month, the UK has already had 85 per cent of the monthly average rainfall for April, with the Lothians and southern Scotland suffering more than 100 per cent.

Kathryn Chalk, operational meteorologist at the Met Office, said the weekend will be warm but added that the dry spell was not going to last.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of Ukhospitality, said the hospitality sector was hoping the weekend forecast would encourage the public to support their local businesses.

“The weather often plays an important role in people's decision-making,” she said: “When we have seen dry and sunny weekends, people are keen to make the most of the weather and head out in their droves to enjoy the best of what hospitality has to offer.

“Businesses across the sector will be hoping for a strong summer to offset the impact of the ever-rising cost burden that they are facing. Come rain or shine, I’d encourage everyone to support their local hospitality businesses.”

The Environment Agency issued 15 flood warnings where flooding is expected and 84 flood alerts in England yesterday.the agency also issued 42 red cautions for strong streams on the River Thames, advising users of all boats not to navigate.

The Met Office’s shipping forecast had eight gale warnings in place yesterday, mostly covering northern sea areas such as Viking, Fair Isle, Hebrides, Bailey and Malin.