A wetter than usual August failed to make up for a shortfall of rain over the summer months, according to climate figures.

As of yesterday, the Bermuda Weather Service had recorded a total of 33.33in of rain so far this year at the LF Wade International Airport – more than 9 inches below the average of 42.81in.

However, the BWS said the measurements might not reflect the island as a whole because of the scattered nature of this summer’s showers.

James Dodgson, meteorologist with the BWS, said: “We noted on our radar accumulation products that the rainfall was very variable across the island, as is often the case in summer due to the spotty nature of showers.

“Therefore, although the numbers show the airport being much drier the average for the year to date, other locations around the island are likely to have seen nearer average rainfall.

“At any rate, as we move through October there should be plenty of opportunity for more rain, as this is climatologically one of our wettest months of the year.”

The BWS said previously that based on figures from the airport, this July was the driest since 1984 and the third driest on record.

Mr Dodgson added: “After the dry July, we had a slightly wetter than average August, followed by a drier than average September, despite two tropical systems passing relatively nearby.”

In August, 5.98in of rain fell – slightly more than the average of 5.64 inches – while only 2.76in of rain were reported in September, almost half the average of 5.05in.

Mr Dodgson added that the weather could soon get wetter as the Bermuda-Azores High weakens.

“That is currently allowing a frontal boundary to approach from the west, introducing the showery weather we are seeing,” he added.

As of yesterday afternoon, the BWS forecast included showers today as a cold front passes over the island.