BRITAIN will face a wet start to the summer – with up to 50 days of rain possible in just three months.
In the outlook for May to July – issued to support the government and transport chiefs with briefings – the Met Office said wetter weather was 50 per cent more likely than normal.
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People carry their shopping through heavy flooding in County DurhamCredit: Jordan Crosby
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People gather under umbrellas as they punt on the River Cam in Cambridge Credit: Geoff Robinson Photography
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Car partially submerged after heavy rain Credit: Jordan Crosby
The three-month forecast says a wetter-than-average period is more likely than a drier-than-average one this year, especially early on.
In last year’s flush, it rained for 40 days – which is close to average.
This has fueled fears that Britain could be hit with close to 50 days of rain this festive season – making it the wettest since 1912 when 55 days of downpours fell.
This means major events including the Trooping of the Colour, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and the Formula 1 British Grand Prix could spoil the gloomy weather.
2.5 mm or more of rain must fall within 24 hours to count as a rainy day.
Forecasters are blaming low pressure systems for the wet forecast.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s long-term forecast says: “The chances of a wetter-than-average period are higher than a drier-than-average period.
“Rain at this time of year carries a greater risk of localized heavy downpours and thunderstorms.”
This means major events including the Trooping of the Colour, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and the Formula 1 British Grand Prix could spoil the gloomy weather.
Forecasters are blaming low pressure systems for the wet forecast.
But the Met Office stressed that it was difficult to accurately predict the weather beyond five days due to the chaotic nature of the atmosphere.
The chances of a wet or dry summer are said to be fairly balanced at the moment, but periods of unsettled conditions are expected – likely to lead to showers and thunderstorms in some regions.
The outlook may change as more information becomes available.
2.5 mm or more of rain must fall within 24 hours to count as a rainy day.
Britons experienced dreary weather over the bank holiday weekend as spells of sunshine were interrupted by showers across much of the UK.
The rain turned heavy – with some hail – and flooding hit Wynyard, County Durham.
The RAC estimated that more than 20 million leisure car journeys were made over the weekend — the highest since pre-pandemic levels.
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But motorists faced delays across the country as many holiday sun worshipers cut short their journeys due to bad weather.
Delays are also affecting ferry routes from Dover, flights from Birmingham Airport and trains — on the busy West Coast Main Line and in and out of Portsmouth.
The showers subsided last night and today will be clear, but cloudy.
Hail and thunderstorms could also return later in the week, but it will be dry by Friday.
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Source: HIS Education