November was the wettest month of the year so far, with more than 4in of rain in Sussex.

But Ken Woodhams, weatherman for The Argus, said overall 2003 had been the driest year since 1989, with just over 19in so far, 8in less than the long-term average.

At his Hove weather station, Mr Woodhams recorded almost four-and-a-quarter inches of rain on 15 days, most of it in the second half of the month and three quarters of an inch more than normal.

The dampest day last month was the 22nd with just over an inch.

But it was not as wet as November last year, when almost 7in of rain was recorded.

The month was warmer than average, with the overall temperature of 9.7C (49F) being 1.6C higher than normal but it was cooler than November last year.

The warmest day was the 6th, with a top reading of 15C (59F), while the coldest night was the 18th, with a minimum reading of only 1C (34F).