IT all began so promisingly. A few weeks ago, the weather was so hot the NHS issued advice to older people about how to cope in a heatwave and the Met Office was talking of a “barbecue summer”.

But what could have been the start of the first decent summer in three years is looking like a flash in the pan. After a disappointing July, weather forecasters are predicting near or above average rainfall for the rest of the summer, not just in the UK, but also much of northern Europe.

Despite the damp weather, people still managed to enjoy themselves at a number of outdoor events over the weekend, including a new town and country fair at Upton Country Park near Poole and Stomping on the Quomps live music at Christchurch.

Sunday was much better than Saturday with plenty of sun to go round and lift the spirits.

The poor weather and wash out forecast is bad news for everyone.

Palmair is seeing a rush of last-minute bookings from people desperate to escape grey skies and showers. Managing director David Skillicorn said: “This was shaping up to be the worst year in our 50-year history, but bad weather at home prompts people to think about going abroad.

“Two travel agents said they’d had families come in who had already booked, and probably paid, to travel in the UK. They’re walking away from that completely.”

The weather forecast until the middle of the month is more rain from the west, with some dry and sunny spells. Looking further ahead, the Met Office says rainfall this winter is also likely to be near or above average.

Last week, Bournemouth tourism director Mark Smith slammed the Met Office’s accuracy. “I think most people take long range forecasts with a pinch of salt, but wrong predictions can do a lot of damage. They can stop visitors from coming here,” he said.