ENJOY the sunshine while you can is the message from your Worcester News weatherman – because it won’t be around for much longer.

Paul Damari said Worcestershire had enjoyed one of the driest summers this year with less than a third of the average rainfall (28 per cent).

That was in stark contrast to the washout summer last year which saw 122mm of rainfall or 169 per cent of expected levels.

Despite a wet first two months of this summer, the county fared better with a warm and dry August and September.

“We had that wet start but it’s dried up,” said Mr Damari. “Farmers are getting a little bit concerned because it makes the ground tougher to plough.”

While landowners might be praying for a little rain, the lack of damp weather and a bone dry September mean flood-watchers can breathe a little easier.

“Any future heavy rain will be absorbed and that’s why we’re probably not even likely to see moderate flood risks warnings on our rivers in the short term,” said Mr Damari.

Across the West Midlands, the average summer highs were slightly above average at 15C (59F).

Despite the rainy July, temperatures hit an average high of 21.6C (70.88F) with August 21.8C (71.2F). There was just 26mm of rain that month.

“It’s been a really good September and October so far,” said Mr Damari. A high pressure system has protected the UK during the summer, which has pushed the low pressure systems bringing the rain to the North of the British Isles and down into Scandinavia.

The weather today will be blustery, however, with a new weather system moving in from the west.

A chillier weekend is predicted, with tomorrow offering the best chance of sunshine before the county hits changeable weather next week.

As for the winter, Mr Damari is steering clear of a long range forecast, saying: “If it goes wrong, they can’t blame me.”