According to figures released by the Met Office, 2012 has been the wettest summer in 100 years, and second wettest since records began in 1910.

The summer (June, July, August) has been the wettest since 1912, according to Met Office figures. In that year, 384.4mm of rain fell across the UK; up until 29th August 366.8mm had fallen in 2012.

This year’s spring, measured from April to June, was the wettest on record. Whilst much of the UK entered the year under official drought status BBC meteorologists suggested today that unusually wet weather in late spring and early summer, caused by a jet stream crossing the UK which moved much further south than expected, led to a particularly wet June and July.

Several areas in the South West and North saw severe flooding during these months. However, rainfall in August has returned to within normal range.

Forecasts for September show the month will also have average rainfall, and meteorologists said a heatwave, which could have eased the pressures of this year’s wash-out summer, is unlikely for the next fortnight at least.

In addition to being one of the wettest summers on record, 2012 was also amongst the dullest; according to the Met Office, there were less than 400 hours of sunlight in the entire season.

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