AUGUST was wetter and cooler than average, according to the latest data collected by amateur weatherman Geoff Witts on behalf of Wiltshire Council.

The total rainfall for the month measured 90.3mm, which was slightly less than the 92.7mm recorded last year.

The data, recorded at Mr Witts’ home in Steeple Ashton, also showed that although the temperatures were below average, Wiltshire still basked in sunshine when on August 22, temperatures reached 28.5C.

Throughout the month, temperatures also dipped into single digits and 7C was recorded as The coldest evening was measured as 7C on August 15.

Latest statistics from the Met Office confirm his findings, saying that despite a dry and sunny June and a brief 'heat-wave' at the start of July, summer overall has been cooler than average and cooler than either summer 2013 or 2014.

It has also been wetter than average, despite near average sunshine.

Using provisional figures for the meteorological summer from June 1 to August 31, Met Office statistics show the UK mean temperature for this summer was 13.9C. This is 0.4C below the 1981-2010 long term average.

Rainfall overall is slightly higher than average, with the UK having seen 272mm of rain - which is 13% above the long-term average. Across southern and eastern England this rain has often come from short, heavy downpours and these have been interspersed with some fine, dry days.

The Weather Network forecasters accurately predicted a cooler and wetter summer than normal and has been analysing its data to see what is likely to happen in the coming months.

Today its UK autumn forecast is published saying that you’ll have to make the most of any fine weather in September as changeable weather patterns are predicted to dominate October and November.

These months are expected to turn increasingly unsettled with above average rainfall and below average temperatures throughout most of the country.

Frequent spells of wet and windy weather are likely to affect the UK as deep areas of low pressure are steered towards the country by the jet stream.

Western areas could therefore see the wettest weather during the autumn, with rainfall likely to be above average.

Temperatures will generally be around or slightly below average through autumn as a whole, again thanks to the cooler than normal sea temperatures out in the Atlantic.

The Weather Network spokesman said: “We often get a late taste of summer in early season with some fine spells at times and this year is no different with September shaping up to be drier than average.

"Unfortunately this won’t last as wet and cool conditions will dominate throughout October and November, particularly in western areas of the UK, due to the strengthening jet stream.”