Flood waters in the UK are receding but forecasters have warned that the recent deluges could be followed by unseasonable frost and sub zero temperatures.

April was the wettest month since records began in 1910

Although dozens of flood warnings remained in place and some rivers were set to reach their peaks, the worst appeared to be over for the time being.

But the rain was expected to return again this week, along with freezing weather in some areas.

Meteogroup predicted only a brief respite from the downpours. Senior forecaster Paul Mott said: “It’s turning drier over many areas now and through the night and tomorrow it will be drier.

“But then there will be further fairly heavy rain coming in from the east and it looks like there’ll be some localised flooding again, particularly in low-lying river valleys.”

Up to 25mm of rainfall was forecast for last night and into today over southern England and south Wales. But the downpours are likely to gradually ease this afternoon, it was predicted.

The weekend was set to be drier but colder, with frost on Saturday night a possibility in rural parts of northern England and Scotland, Mr Mott said.

Provisional Met Office data showed April was the wettest month since records began in 1910.

A man and his dog were killed as they tried to cross a flooded ford in Hampshire, in southeast England, on Monday, while in Northamptonshire in central England, 1,000 holidaymakers were evacuated from a caravan park.

Despite the downpour, large parts of Britain remain officially in drought after two dry winters, with householders under instructions to save water where they can.