One month's rain in two days ... and more to come

London is set for more heavy rain this week following a sodden bank holiday during which more than a month's worth of rain fell in two days.

Meteorologists recorded more than 56mm of rainfall over the course of Sunday and Monday - 7mm more than the average for the whole of May.

The capital is due for a reprieve today but forecasters have warned of more heavy downpours tonight and tomorrow morning, with yet more rain into the weekend.

Met Office forecaster Chris Almond said: "Thursday will be the best day of weather this week with sunny spells but there is another band of rain headed for London on Friday. Unfortunately, Saturday is not looking too good either - it will be showery. Sunday also looks unsettled.

"The temperature by the weekend should be in the early twenties though, so at least it won't feel too cold."

Despite being battered by wind and rain, thousands turned out to celebrate Africa Day in Trafalgar Square yesterday.

Paula Gonzalez, 30, a student from Turnpike Lane, said: "London is a great city for these kinds of events, but there is always a problem with the weather. I just don't understand why they don't cover the place up or try to find alternative indoor venues."

A spokesman for the event, organised by the Mayor, said around 15,000 people attended.

He added: "The weather was even worse last year, but it was still packed."

Some 12,000 runners braved the heavy downpours as they pounded the streets of central London in the inaugural 10km Bupa London 10,000 race. The men's competition was won by Kenya's Micah Kogo, in 28 minutes eight seconds.

The women's race was taken by German Irina Mikitenko in 32 minutes two seconds.

Emergency services were called to flooded homes and businesses in Tilbury and Billericay, Essex. High winds blew trees on to cables in Surrey. A 13-year-old girl was killed by a falling tree in Huddersfield yesterday.