The reversal of the Met Office’s prediction from a “barbecue summer” to a summer of “near or above average rainfall” could trigger a late rush for sun, travel search site Skyscanner reports.

Since the beginning of July, Skyscanner has seen a 26% rise in flight searches from the UK to Spain, France and other hot destinations for travel in August, perhaps indicating that many Brits started making up their own minds about the quality of the UK summer before the Met Office changed their forecast.

The original weather prediction, which said the odds of a scorching summer were 65%, is now looking unlikely, disappointing those who were hoping to holiday at home this summer. With the recession taking its toll on foreign travel, the predicted warm British summer was welcomed and, although June brought good weather, July has been disappointingly wet and August isn’t looking much better.

Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder and director commented:

“More people were expected to be holidaying in the UK this year because of the recession and the predicted warm weather, however, with the Met Office now forecasting a wet August, we expect many Brits wanting to guarantee their fix of sun will head abroad before the summer is over.”

Europe’s Hotspots: average temperatures for August

UK – 16C

France – 21C

Spain – 24C

Italy – 24C

Croatia – 25C

Portugal – 25C

Greece –26C

Turkey – 26C

NOTE: the temperature varies from region to region of any given country; Brighton beach is going to be much hotter than the summit of Ben Nevis (you’d hope) – but these figures give an idea of how the UK’s summer compares to some of our favourite holiday destinations.