Met Office issues three new storm warnings for TODAY with deluge threatening yet MORE flooding

Britain is bracing for yet more rain, thunderstorms and the possibility of flooding today, as the damp and dreary summer continues.

Forecasters have issued three new yellow alerts, warning of heavy showers and possible travel disruption in parts of England and in Northern Ireland. 

The warnings cover large parts of southern England, including London and the north-west, as well as Northern Ireland. 

Thunderstorms are also expected as part of the Met Office‘s nine-hour-long weather warnings, which come into place from midday today.

The worst hit areas could be hit with 70mm of rainfall, forecasters warn. Half-a-dozen flood alerts also in place for areas of Sussex and Kent, parts of the Isle of Wight and on the Surrey-Hampshire border near Guildford.

However there could be some good news on the way. While weather experts warn of a wet mid-August, it could be followed by a period of sunny spells and ‘above average temperatures’.

Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Glaze also said that ‘very hot pattern’ could emerge across the UK in the coming weeks – raising hopes of a mini-heatwave in time for the August Bank Holiday. 

It comes as commuters were today pictured braving the rain on their way to work this morning. Many were seen carrying umbrellas, while others donned waterproofs in a bid to keep dry. 

Cyclists were seen dodging puddles in the road in Chiswick, west London, as the rain came down this morning, while in Tynemouth, North Tyneside, optimistic northerners were seen walking along the beach, despite the wet and dreary conditions.

Britain is today bracing for yet more rain, thunderstorms and potential flooding as the damp and dreary summer continues

Forecasters have issued a yellow alert today, warning of heavy showers and possible travel disruption in parts of England, including London and the north-west

It comes as commuters were pictured braving the rain on their way to work this morning. Many were seen carrying umbrellas, while others donned their waterproofs as the wet weather continued today

Meanwhile, weather forecasters yesterday insisted that this summer has been more temperate than usual, apart from in the south east of the country. 

Met Officer meteorologists said that because long periods of heat have been interspersed with high levels of rain and flooding in some cases has been so severe that people forget the good weather.   

Becky Mitchell, a Met Office meteorologist, said this summer has been ‘warmer and drier than average’. She told the Telegraph: ‘It’s not been wetter on average but we’ve seen a lot of reports on the news about the flooding.

‘That’s why it may feel like a bad summer, with not much warmth or sunshine.’  

It follows a wet Saturday and Sunday for many places, with parts of London and Glasgow hit with flash floods following frequent heavy rain showers.

Today’s alert meanwhile, which covers large parts of southern England, including London, the north-west and Northern Ireland, warns of thunderstorms and potentially flooding.

According to the Met Office: ‘There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds. Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

Meanwhile, weather forecasters yesterday insisted that this summer has been more temperate than usual, apart from in the south east of the country

Met Officer meteorologists said that because long periods of heat have been interspersed with high levels of rain and flooding in some cases has been so severe that people forget the good weather

It follows a wet Saturday and Sunday for many places, with parts of London and Glasgow hit with flash floods following frequent heavy rain showers

‘There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads.’ 

However the outlook appears more positive as today goes on. According to the Met Office forecast: ‘Daytime showers will gradually fade during the evening and overnight leaving clear spells. A few mist and fog patches are then possible towards dawn.’

And tomorrow could be even better for most areas, apart from Scotland which could see showers, with many areas set for sunny spells.

But while the Met Office predicts ‘thicker cloud’ and longer spells of rain later this month, there could be some good news on the way.

In a long-range forecast, from August 23 to September 5, the Met Office says: ‘Although confidence is very low through this period, a general trend towards more settled conditions is likely. 

‘Somewhat unsettled and changeable conditions are most likely to remain in place at the start of the period, with these looking to give way to more settled, drier conditions by the end. 

‘Temperatures are likely to be above average, with the potential for hotter weather later in the month.’