UK weather LIVE: Flood alerts today, Met Office Storm Francis updates and 80mph gales before sizzling 26C next week
BRITS are bracing for a two-day soaking after a double battering from Storms Ellen and Francis.
But fear not, the holiday weekend will be dry and sunny, albeit a bit chilly.
Then next week the temperature is set to rocket.
Storm Francis, which hit just days after wild Storm Ellen struck, has moved to the east of Britain.
However there is still some bad weather to get through today and tomorrow Friday before things calm down, the Met Office say.
RARE RAINBOW SPECTACLE
A rare flat rainbow was seen in Torbay during Storm Francis.
The incredible images were shared on the Facebook page @torbayinpictures and show the unusual rainbow effect at Torquay, seen from Paignton beach.
The phenomenon occurred during Storm Francis and is believed to be caused by the sun shining through spray whipped up from the sea by strong winds.
A spokesperson from the Met Office explained: “This looks like spray, being blown up from the sea by the strong gusty winds due to Storm Francis.
“The same principles as in a usual rainbow are then in play, so the light is being reflected, refracted and dispersed by the water droplets giving the different colours.”
BETTER WEATHER SEES MORE MIGRANTS CROSS CHANNEL
About six migrant boats have today been picked up off the Kent coast as the weather cleared.
They are the first Channel crossings since last Thursday, after Storm Francis made the already treacherous trip too dangerous.
A group of around 15 landed in a dinghy at Shakespeare Beach, Dover, around 6.30am.
It is thought another five vessels have been brought into the town's port after being detected in the Channel.
Before the latest journeys over the 21-mile Dover Strait shipping lane, the total number of migrants to have reached Britain by small boat stood at 4,999.
Last year's tally of 1,850 was eclipsed months ago.
BOOKIES SLASH ODDS FOR HOTTEST SEPTEMBER EVER
Meanwhile Leading bookmaker Coral has cut the odds on next month being the hottest September on record to just 2-1 (from 5-1) as forecasts hint at rising temperatures following a soaking August.
“We've endured some miserable weather in August but there is hope for some September sunshine.
“We have cut the odds on it being our warmest ever,” said Coral's Harry Aitkenhead.
PUPILS DRENCHED DURING STORM FRANCIS BECAUSE CORONA RULES
Kids at a school in Scotland were soaked during Storm Francis because coronavirus restrictions meant they couldn’t shelter inside school during breaks.
Youngsters at Mackie Academy, in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, returned soaked to afternoon lessons on Tuesday.
Aberdeenshire Council said there had been insufficient space in the school for pupils to take their breaks indoors and maintain social distancing.
A spokesman said the school had followed Scottish Government guidelines by asking pupils to remain outdoors.
Parents said social distancing had been a distant thought as children huddled together under trees in a forlorn effort to stay dry.
Aberdeenshire Council said last night it would be formulating new arrangements, including introducing temporary shelters, and would be writing to parents.
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