Britain was battered by torrential rain today as the nation was gripped by a European monsoon that threatened to cause flooding across many parts of the country.

Forecasters predict up to 1.8in of rain in the worst affected areas with much of south west England, south west Midlands and south east Wales braced for widespread flooding.

Many parts of south west England and the Thames region have been put on flood watch and warned to expect flooding of low-lying land and roads.

Shoppers in Bath city centre walk through rain soaked streets this afternoon

The Environment Agency has warned that residents living near the Rivers Tamar, Torridge and Walden face likely flooding of their homes and businesses.

Flood warnings have also been issued in Devon.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "We advise people in these areas to be very aware of the weather around you.

"Watch the news and weather forecasts, make sure your phone is charged and be prepared."

Almost an inch of rain fell overnight in Devon and Cornwall, a third of what the region would expect in a month,

The AA is advising drivers to expect hazardous driving conditions and only go as fast as conditions allow.

It has already attended 28% more breakdowns than normal today - mostly weather-related home starts - with the busiest regions being the Home Counties, London and West Midlands.

The AA expects to attend more than 12,000 breakdowns, compared with the usual 9,500, by the end of the day.

Our soaking summer comes amid warnings that Britain is in the soggy grip of a European monsoon season. 

Less dramatic than monsoons on the Indian subcontinent, the European version is a little-known climatic pattern influenced by atmospheric changes elsewhere in the world.

Climatologists believe global warming could ensure it becomes a regular part of the British summer.

Wet weather certainly made its presence felt over the weekend.

Rain punctuated Rafael Nadal's marathon victory in the men's final at Wimbledon and Lewis Hamilton battled wet conditions at Silverstone to secure his victory in the British Grand Prix.

And if you're banking on things getting brighter over the rest of the summer, prepare to be disappointed. Long-range forecasters are predicting a washout.

'I think we are on course for a typical British summer of rain,' said Mr Gromett.

'Although last July was one of the wettest ever recorded, this July could even equal or surpass it.

Enlarge 

Brolly Britain: Shoppers in Bath city centre brave the elements today

Wet weather misery: A low cloud front sweeps towards Britain from the west - meaning huge storms are on their way

'There is no prolonged settled spell of weather in sight, so the outlook is not great. Next week will see less rain, but still not much sun.'

In fact, heavy showers are expected to sweep across Britain for much of the rest of the month.

Piers Corbyn, director of long-range forecasters WeatherAction, said: 'This week is going to be thundery and showery and the following week will be terrible. The rainy theme will continue through the summer. 

And now the monsoon: Weather will get worse

'This summer as a whole will be in the top five wettest on record.'

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said it has not yet issued flood warnings. It urged householders to check its website for updates.

Anyone desperate for a little sun does have somewhere to turn. Southern Europe is looking particularly inviting for those dreaming of sweltering heat.

Weekend temperatures in Athens reached 38C (100F) while Bodrum in Turkey sizzled at 41C (106F).