Sun to return after the storms

FARMERS CAN look forward to a glorious two weeks of sunny weather, despite recent weeks being among the wettest on record, according to forecasters.

The Met Office issued severe weather warnings for many parts of the UK as localised flash-flooding and hailstorms swept across Scotland, Wales and the Midlands on Monday (May 10).

This follows the wettest April for three years, according to Michael Dukes, head of forecasting at PA Weather.

“April is traditionally one of the driest months – in the last 100 years only 13 Aprils have been wetter,” he said.

With 85mm falling on average across the UK, it was 35% wetter than average he said.

But 80% of the UK missed the small, localised storms altogether and prospects look good for the next two weeks, according to the Met Office‘s Nigel Bolton.

“There‘s a ridge of high pressure coming in which will develop, bringing mainly dry weather into the weekend and maybe beyond,” he said.

Mr Dukes paints a similar picture, with the south west seeing the best of the sunshine.

Easterly breezes may keep many eastern counties overcast, but even here there will be plenty of breaks in the cloud, he predicted.

“There are forecasts for higher temperatures next week, although this is open to debate.”

Despite a wet start to the month, the forecast could mean May ends up a drier than normal month, he added.

“It looks like it‘s going to balance itself – should be good news all round for farmers looking to get on with field work.”