Forecasters predict dryer spell

Rain-lashed Britain looks set to get a reprieve as torrential downpours that caused flood misery across the country come to an end.

The wettest April to June on record, followed by more heavy rain so far this month, caused widespread - and in some cases, repeated - flooding.

Typically, the next few days will still be wet with showers across the country, forecasters said, and heavy, thundery rainstorms in the middle of the week.

But the relentless rain that resulted in record-breaking weather conditions has vanished for now.

The improving conditions have meant the Environment Agency now has a vastly reduced number of flood warnings and alerts.

They remain in place as drainage systems and river catchments struggle to come to terms with the record-breaking deluges that have left vast parts of the country saturated.

Britain is expected to be given some much needed respite from the torrential downpours that have caused flood misery up and down the country.

Forecasters are predicting a much dryer spell of weather across the UK today bringing a welcome end to the persistent rain that has caused misery for thousands of people.

But a number of flood warnings and alerts remain in place.

The Environment Agency (EA) has 13 flood warnings - eight in the Midlands, three in the Anglian region and two in the South West - and 62 flood alerts in place across England. A total of 28 warnings and alerts have been removed in the last 24 hours.

Heavy rain disrupted the Latitude Festival at Henham Park as well as the surrounding area.

Government advisers warned earlier that a £1 billion funding gap was opening up between what is needed to keep properties protected in the face of climate change and what is being spent on flood defences over the next few years.

Charles Tucker of the National Flood Forum, told the Guardian newspaper in response to its findings.

A row has broken out over alleged budget cut-prompted cancellations of flood defence projects as swathes of Britain remained on alert following more heavy rain.

The Environment Agency defended the Government's investment in flood defences after the Guardian newspaper claimed nearly 300 such schemes had been left unbuilt.

The paper, which analysed EA documents, said 294 projects that had indicative funding in 2010 to begin work in the following two years have not received any money.

The Environment Agency Manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Dave Throup said:

"Up to two inches of rain in a very short period of time, which put up the level of the river very quickly...although levels have risen and risen quite dramatically, they are peaking now and hopefully the town (Tenbury) is going to be ok."