Drier and cooler weather after flooding in England and Wales

Liam Eslick, meteorologist at the Met Office, said Tuesday would be a “much drier day for most people”.

There may be heavier bursts of rain in the South East, with some light, isolated showers, though “nothing like the torrential rain that we’ve seen over the last couple of days”, he added.

Mr Eslick said the heaviest rain on Tuesday would be in and around Scotland, with any surface water flooding on roads very localised.

River levels should start to decrease to more manageable levels elsewhere towards the end of the day as more water seeps into the ground.

Temperatures will also begin to drop, bringing a “fresher feel” compared to recent days, Mr Eslick said.

Highs of around 16C are forecast for southern England, while parts of Scotland will peak at 11C.

“As the system that we have had moves its way off towards the east, we start to get a bit more of a northerly flow so we’re bringing in those cooler northerly winds,” the forecaster said.

A gradual decline in temperatures will continue through Wednesday and Thursday but it is unlikely any frost will develop with plenty of cloud around.