Suffolk was the wettest part of the country over the weekend – and was hit by more than a month’s rainfall in fewer than 24 hours, forecasters have said.

Ipswich Star: Flooding near Capel St MaryFlooding near Capel St Mary (Image: Archant)

Flash flooding and thundery downpours caused havoc for motorists as more than two inches of rain fell in parts of the county.

But the recent bleak weather could come to an end with temperatures expected to rise to almost 30C (86F) by the end of the week.

Chris Bell, forecaster for East Anglian-based Weatherquest, said two torrential downpours did the main damage. At the Wattisham weather station, 25.8mm (1in) of rain fell between 9-10pm on Saturday before 30.8mm (1.2ins) was recorded between 3-4pm yesterday.

In total, 62.4mm (2.5 inches) of rain fell between Saturday night and late Sunday afternoon. Mr Bell said this was the highest in the country and was more than the average total for July, which is between 58-60mm (2.3-2.4ins).

Thundery showers were spread across the county, with localised flooding reported in areas including Woodbridge Road in Kesgrave and near the A12 close to Capel St Mary.

The region has been blighted by wet weather over the last three days, with drivers in Ipswich faced with localised flooding on Friday morning, particularly on Holywells Road.

Elsewhere across the region over the weekend, a pub cellar near Braintree was flooded. Firefighters had to pump water out of The Bell, in Kynaston Road, Panfield.

Yesterday, Essex County Cricket Club saw their match against Hampshire cancelled because of the rain.

But the wet weather could not stop proceedings at the Bures Music Festival, where musicians played on despite the thunderstorms.

However, Mr Bell said a drier spell of weather is expected this week. He said a blanket cover of blue skies is not expected but said temperatures could reach 28C (82.4F) or 29C (84F).