ARE we in the midst of the worst summer in living memory?

That is the question thousands of people across the county are asking themselves after torrential downpours drenched soggy Suffolk yesterday.

And there was more bad news today after forecasters warned of ANOTHER week of rain and unsettled weather.

The summer wash out has already been responsible for the cancellation of a number of events, most notably Day Two of the Suffolk Show.

Yesterday, bosses at Ipswich Borough Council were forced to postpone the annual Indian Mela in Christchurch Park due to several hours of overnight heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, wellies, rain jackets and brollies will be essential items for festival-goers heading to Latitude in Henham Park, Southwold this weekend, who face the very real possibility of a mud bath.

Saturday night’s downpours saw nearly a quarter of the average rainfall in July fall in a matter of hours.

Firefighters were called out to various parts of the county following reports of flooding yesterday, including Leiston and Aldeburgh, where water had to be pumped from properties.

Suffolk hasn’t enjoyed a lengthy spell of sunshine in three months.

And with the end of the school term nearing – and families preparing for their holidays – weather experts have more bad news for us.

Phil Garner, a forecaster at Weatherquest, said: “We are not looking at the weather settling down throughout the week.

“There will be light showers today and there is going to be a cooler feel to the weather with temperatures near 17C to 18C.

“It looks like there will be heavy showers on Tuesday with showers becoming more isolated on Wednesday. Thursday should be fine and dry.”

The inclement weather has already had a major impact on Suffolk’s local economy with fewer people venturing out into the town centre to shop.

Judy Terry, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for economic development, said: “People won’t be going out shopping in the local town shops and they won’t be doing things like they would if the weather was nice.

“There’s nothing that anyone can do and we have got to remember that these things are going to have a serious impact on the local economy.”