Record heavy rainfall hits UK crop yields

The wet weather shows no sign of letting up as forecasters predict even more rain, with the south of England being worst hit.

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for the South West, East of England, Wales, London and South East England, the West Midlands and East Midlands.

It comes as parts of the country were battered with heavy rain last night (Monday) at the end of the wettest April since records began.

The Environment Agency (EA) said it is on high alert for flooding and said it had a ‘particular focus’ on Somerset, Dorset and Devon.

The agency has put in place 35 flood warnings across England where flooding is expected and 140 flood alerts, where flooding is possible.

The only region not affected by the warnings is the North West of England.

The Met Office said 32mm (1.3in) of rain had fallen over Exmoor in the past 24 hours, leaving farmers exacerbated with the changeable weather conditions.

Experts say the warm start to the year combined with drought and then the unseasonably cold spell coupled with torrential rain could result in damage to crops.

Asparagus growers are already predicting a shortage and have estimated the vegetable could be worth as much as £8.50 a kilo, making it the most expensive vegetable to buy at the moment.