HOPES of a baking June have been dashed as the Met Office predicts changeable weather — though the South West may see sunnier conditions than most.

Last month saw temperatures climb to levels which saw barbecues and bikinis brought out across the region — but this month, anyone enjoying the outdoors would be wise to pack an umbrella, said Met Office forecaster John Hammond.

Mr Hammond said unsettled weather would come and go in Devon and Cornwall, generally two of the wettest counties throughout June, each attracting more than 71mm of rain, but showers would be interspersed with pleasant spells of sunshine, with temperatures reaching the high tens to early twenties, and such conditions could linger for several days.

"There will be some spells of unsettled weather, but there will be some fine summer weather as well, perhaps particularly in the South West, if winds keep blowing between the north and east," he said.

"It's just not looking like particularly hot, dry, sunny weather, but it will be pleasant in the sun. It's a good time to get out and explore the South West."

Day trips for all but the most intrepid may have to wait, however, at least until later in the week, as the heavy downpours seen since Monday are set to continue, for today at least.

On Monday night alone, around a sixth of the average rainfall for the month was recorded over 12 hours at Dunkeswell in East Devon.

While the downfall will be welcome to farmers and gardeners, sun-seekers and tourism businesses will be less enamoured of it.

Last week there was widespread unhappiness in the tourism sector, after the Met Office's monthly outlook predicted an 'unsettled' half-term, whereas in fact the region basked in sunshine at the end of the week.

Many tourism businesses said pessimistic forecasts put off potential visitors, and one even called for the Government to intervene.

Simon Spiller, who owns Otterton Mill in East Devon, said he had 'very little faith' in any forecast further than about three days in advance.

"The long-term forecast has been very unreliable, and even the monthly forecast has tended to be very conservative," he said. "The result of that is that we can have a beautiful day, but very few people here because they have made other plans."

But Mr Hammond emphasised that conditions were changeable, particularly in the South West, which often saw the first of weather fronts.

"Some days are sunny and warm, and some days there are showers," he said.

"We don't live in the Mediterranean; we live in England. It's part and parcel of our weather."