University unbroken rain record ends after 37 days

The longest unbroken spell of rainy days recorded by University of Reading meteorologists ended on Tuesday after 37 consecutive days.

The university's Atmospheric Observatory said 17 February was the first day without measurable rainfall in the town since 11 January.

As of Tuesday, the university had recorded 188.5mm of rain in Reading this year, more than double the expected rainfall for the period.

Rain returned on Thursday, with a yellow weather warning issued for large parts of southern England, including areas in Berkshire, Hampshire and Dorset.

The university previously said the former record of 23 rainy days was set in 1934 and then equalled in 1970. Its records started in 1908.

It measured a 40-day period of rain over late 2015 and early 2016 but that included several days which included "only trace amounts of drizzle" and less rainfall overall.

Its readings are taken at 09:00 every day, a reason for why rain that was recorded early on Sunday was counted as rain for Saturday.

The Environment Agency and Met Office have warned homeowners and businesses to remain vigilant, with the wet weather due to continue for another month.

Rob Thompson, from the university's department of meteorology, said: "Even people who love rain, like me, have been getting pretty sick of it to be honest. It has just felt relentless.

"I have dedicated my entire career to trying to understand the exquisite beauty of the physics that exists in every raincloud and the forces in each raindrop. Nevertheless, give us a break.

"It was great to see some sunshine [on Tuesday], and from 09:00 on Tuesday to 09:00 on Wednesday, no rain fell at our observatory. Hallelujah."