PARTS of the UK have been battered by a month of rainfall in just the first 10 days of August, forecasters say.

The average rainfall for the country in August is 89mm, but so far almost 40% of that total has fallen, 10% more than expected, the Met Office has said.

However, some areas have been drier than usual such as parts of west Scotland and eastern areas in England.

The Leader previously reported that the weather over the last few weeks has been a mixed bag, with sunny skies interrupted by rain and thunderstorms in some areas of the UK, as Storm Evert hit last week.

But Brits are hoping soaring temperatures can return once more this month.

It was previously forecasted that another heatwave could be coming our way towards the mid/end of the month, but the Met Office has dampened any hopes of that - which may come as good news to some.

Grahame Madge, a Met Office spokesman, told the PA news agency: “August has essentially been a case of mixed fortune with some areas seeing drier weather than usual, while others have virtually had a whole month of rainfall in just 10 days.

“We’re not expecting to see record-breaking weather, as there have certainly been wetter Augusts in the past but many areas have faced a very wet and intense period of rain.

“We are putting this down to an area of low pressure which is moving slowly across the country bringing the damp conditions many have seen.”

Mr Madge said that over the next few days the weather is expected to be “more settled” compared to last week.

Many areas in England and Wales will see clearer and sunnier spells with the temperature likely to hit the low-20s.

Mr Madge added: “Do not expect to see heatwave conditions, but dry, sunny spells for many.

“However, there may be a few outbreaks of rain in Northern Ireland and Scotland as the week progresses.”

Here's what the Met Office predicts:

Today: A dry yet cloudy start for most with the odd shower in the west. Turning wetter as a band of heavy rain moves slowly across the country. Heaviest in the northwest and over higher ground. Maximum temperature 20 °C.

Clearer conditions develop as the rain band gently eases from the early evening, leaving a dry night for most with clear skies. Minimum temperature 10 °C.

Thursday: Cloudy in the southeast with outbreaks of drizzle at first, turning drier and brighter this afternoon. Dry elsewhere with sunny spells. Maximum temperature 18 °C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Friday fine and dry at first before rain arrives in the afternoon. Largely dry with some hazy sunshine on Saturday. Cloudy and breezy with outbreaks of rain on Sunday.

Sunday 15 Aug - Tuesday 24 Aug: Moving into this period, showers or longer spells of rain are more likely across the north and west on Sunday and Monday where it may also be breezy. Drier weather is also more likely across the southeast.

Moving further into next week and for the rest of the period, high pressure may become more dominant with many areas seeing more settled conditions. However, changeable conditions remain possible across parts of the north and spells of heavy showers or thunderstorms can't be ruled out across parts of the south at times.

Temperatures expected to be around average for most for this time of year, though with some warmer weather in more settled areas in the south.