June monsoon may be worst since 1860
Forecasters have revealed this month is on target to be the wettest June since 1860 – as tourist attractions across the West Midlands announced they were suffering from a slump in visitor numbers because of the unseasonal showers.
Forecasters have revealed this month is on target to be the wettest June since 1860 – as tourist attractions across the West Midlands announced they were suffering from a slump in visitor numbers because of the unseasonal showers.
So far this month, 6ins of rain has fallen across England and Wales, compared to the average of 2.5ins.
Only 0.8ins more is needed to beat the current record of 6.1ins and, with thunderstorms expected later this week, that is likely to happen, according to the MeteoGroup weather service.
Attractions and events across the West Midlands are feeling the pain. The Sandwell Historic Vehicle Show, which attracts 30,000 people, has been cancelled twice due to torrential rain.
Usage of the crazy golf and mini golf courses at Sandwell Valley Park has fallen by about 50 per cent this month while visitor numbers at the Black Country Museum have also been adversely affected.
And the dreary weather has been hitting local fresh produce firms, with crops struggling to progress because of the extremities over recent months.
Richard Simkin, of Essington Fruit Farm in South Staffordshire, said: "All the crops are running late. We should be in the middle of picking fruit but we really need the dry weather.
"We don't need it to be baking hot, we just need it to dry up a little. The only thing I can say is that we have plenty of grass so the cattle are happy."
Meanwhile Black Country Living Museum spokeswoman Fiona Carding said: "Visitor numbers have been affected by the wet weather experienced during June and we are 21 per cent down calendar year on year.
"However a trip to Black Country Living Museum is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. We are an all-weather attraction."
The last time there was such a deluge of rain was when Queen Victoria was on the throne although four years ago the total was 5.7ins. It is also likely to be the coldest June since 1991 with an estimated Central England Temperature of just 13.3C (56F) when the average is 14.5C (58F).
By Shaun Jepson
