More midsummer downpours
BRITAIN is facing the wettest June for 150 years as yet more stormy weather is forecast to be on the way.
The warning came after high winds lashing the country at the weekend brought a tree down on two schoolboy
cricketers, both aged nine, who were rushed to hospital with serious head injuries.
Last night forecasters predicted that severe weather will again affect much of Britain by Thursday.
The start of this week is expected to be bright, with highs of 71.6F (22C) in London by Wednesday.
But the temperature is forecast to drop back to an average of 55F (13C) with June on course to be the wettest on
record.
The Weather Channel said it is “very likely” parts of England and Wales will have their wettest ever June and break
the 2007 record of 5.9 inches.
As far as I can judge, it has been the wettest first half of June since 1860
And former BBC weatherman Philip Eden said: “As far as I can judge, it has been the wettest first half of June since
1860.”
Jonathan Powell, of Positive Weather Solutions, added: “We have already had the average rainfall for June and are set for more downpours. Next weekend is set to be dismal.”
Lewis Gaston and George Roberts suffered serious head injuries as they waited to use practice nets.
Another nine-year-old, Aidan Oakley, was also hurt. Players and spectators rushed to lift the tree off the boys at
Spencer Cricket Club in Earlsfield, south London.
England cricket legend Freddie Flintoff joined well-wishers in hoping that the boys recover soon.
He said on a social networking site:
“Sorry to hear the news from Spencer CC. Thoughts and prayers are with the youngsters and their parents.”
The England cricket team have offered to give the boys signed shirts.
Yesterday it was revealed that an unnamed kayaker had drowned in the swollen River Conwy in Betws-y-Coed,
North Wales.