Summer's coming at last

August's torrential downpours and floods are to be replaced by warm sunshine that may last until October.

Forecasters predict a repeat of weather patterns from the Fifties and Sixties, which saw warm and sunny weather in May and early June, followed by winds and showers in July, a deluge in August and long periods of sunshine for much of September and possibly October.

The current forecast predicts brighter and warmer weather starting later this week. Temperatures are expected to climb steadily and reach 27C by next Monday or Tuesday.