Take cover... more sodden misery is on the way
BRITAIN’S soggy start to August will last at least another week as forecasters predict yet more rain and cool temperatures.
Storms are set to lash parts of the UK today marking the start of an unsettled period of weather.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings meaning “be aware” in London and the South-east and the North-west is braced for heavy downpours.
In contrast to last month’s record-breaking temperatures of 101.6F (38.7C) August has been beset by strong winds and rain.
The mercury will struggle to rise above 61F (16C) this week.
In some remote areas it could even drop as low as 42F (6C).
Met Office forecaster Bonnie Diamond said: “This week there’s going to be a fresher feel, winds from the north bringing cooler temperatures than we’ve seen.
“It’s going to be an unsettled week with periods of low pressure bringing rain and wind at times, especially today and Friday.”
Experts also warned there was a chance of flash flooding and widespread travel disruption from up to 2½in of rain in just a few hours.
The bleak outlook means this month is on course to be the wettest ever. The current record was set in 1912 when an average of 5½in fell.
At the weekend, as much rain fell in 48 hours as is expected in a typical month. Nearly 3in fell at the RAF station at Spadeadam in Cumbria on Saturday compared to a monthly average of 3¼in.
The pessimistic outlook comes after flash floods this month.
The Government said it would grant £5million to help communities such as Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, recover after 1,000 residents were evacuated because of structural damage to the dam at Toddbrook Reservoir.
Cash will be available to cover immediate costs by councils for rest centres and temporary accommodation in North Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
Around £3million will be spent repairing two bridges in Yorkshire.