MORE than a month’s rainfall fell in just a few hours in some parts of the country over the weekend as thunderstorms took hold following the long summer heatwave.

Belfast International Airport saw 88.2mm of rainfall on Saturday afternoon, above the July average for the entire region, which sits at 81.2mm.

Heavy, thundery showers continued in western areas as well as parts of Wales, the Met Office said, as changeable weather replaced the hot spell much of the UK has endured for weeks.

“It’s a very unsettled weather picture across the whole of the UK,” said Ms Kent.

Although Bradford saw rain over the weekend the Met Office forecast a return to sunnier conditions this week.

A spokesman said it would continue to be windy today, but added: “Less wind is expected for Tuesday and Wednesday with mainly dry weather and sunny spells.”

While some will have welcomed the rain and the cooler temperatures, those keen to catch a glimpse of the blood moon, the longest lunar eclipse of the 21st century, on Friday were disappointed.

The cloud cover meant the rare celestial event was not visible to many star gazers.