Parts of the UK have been battered by a month of rainfall in just the first 10 days of August, forecasters say.

The Met Office has said that 46mm of rain has fallen so far this month in Greater London - which usually sees 53mm in the whole of August.

Parts of Surrey and areas in the south east have also had up to 85 per cent of their total average rainfall for August in just over a week.

However, the forecast for London is now looking up as the Met Office is predicting at least a week of dry – and sometimes sunny – weather.

There will be highs of 23 degrees as we head further into the depths of August and the sun will peep through the clouds on most days.

It seems that August really did get its monthly rainfall out of the way early for London.

The average rainfall for the country in August is 89mm, but so far almost 40 per cent of that total has fallen and 10 per cent more than expected, the Met Office has said.

However, some areas have been drier than usual - such as parts of west Scotland and eastern areas in England.

Grahame Madge, a Met Office spokesman, told the PA news agency: “August has essentially been a case of mixed fortune with some areas seeing drier weather than usual, while others have virtually had a whole month of rainfall in just 10 days.

“We’re not expecting to see record-breaking weather, as there have certainly been wetter Augusts in the past but many areas have faced a very wet and intense period of rain.

Your Local Guardian: A man relaxes on the grass in Battersea Park, London (photo: PA Wire/ Aaron Chown)A man relaxes on the grass in Battersea Park, London (photo: PA Wire/ Aaron Chown)

“We are putting this down to an area of low pressure which is moving slowly across the country bringing the damp conditions many have seen.”

Mr Madge said that over the next few days the weather is expected to be “more settled” compared to last week.

Many areas in England will see clearer and sunnier spells with the temperature likely to hit the low-20s.

Mr Madge added: “Do not expect to see heatwave conditions, but dry, sunny spells for many.

“However, there may be a few outbreaks of rain in Northern Ireland and Scotland as the week progresses.”

Forecast in full for London

Wednesday: A bright morning, with hazy sunny spells. Cloud then thickens from the west through the day, perhaps with perhaps the odd light shower moving into western parts. Otherwise staying dry with further sunny spells. Feeling warm with light winds. Maximum temperature 24 °C.

Wednesday night: Rather cloudy across northwestern areas overnight, with limited clearer spells. More frequent clearer spells in the south and east, with isolated mist patches possible in prone rural spots by dawn. Minimum temperature 12 °C.

Thursday: Largely fine, with warm sunny spells and light winds. Most parts dry, although perhaps cloudier across Oxfordshire and other western areas at times, with the odd spot of drizzle possible. Maximum temperature 25 °C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Sunny spells and breezy Friday, but cloudier overnight into Saturday, with rain at times. Probably dry but rather cloudy Saturday. Turning wetter, and perhaps windy Sunday, with rain spreading northeast.

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