'Exceptional' rainfall puts July among wettest months

LAST month was the third wettest July ever recorded with twice the normal rainfall in the east of Scotland, according to weather watchers.

Figures from the Met Office showed that temperatures in July were warmer than average, but rainfall was "exceptionally" above average. Globally, 2010 has had the warmest first six months ever recorded.

Dr Sam Gardner, climate policy officer for WWF Scotland, said: "After a very dry June, the downpours in July were quite a shock, with very heavy rain in many parts including Perth and Dumfries and Galloway.

"A year after the Scottish Climate Change Act became law, Scotland's political parties continue to debate how tough our climate targets should be for the next few years.We look forward to these being set in the very near future.

"These targets will need to be accompanied by a credible plan of action that will translate Scotland's ambitions into the much needed action."