Misery for many as rain falls for 40 days in some parts of UK

Persistent wet weather is affecting farmers, builders, sports, wildlife – and damaging roads and homes

“Feel like it hasn’t stopped raining?” the Met Office asked on Monday. For some places, the forecaster said, it really had rained every day so far this year.

People who live in parts of Devon, Cornwall and Worcestershire have been dodging deluges or showers for 40 days – the same number of days that it rained in the Bible’s Noah’s ark story, the same number of soggy days you can expect if it rains on St Swithin’s Day, according to folklore.

Persistent rain in south-west England, the Midlands and other parts of the UK has meant misery for hundreds of people whose homes and businesses have flooded and tough times for many more, from farmers and builders to motorists, sea swimmers and sportspeople.

Feel like the rain hasn’t stopped? ☔