IT'S over. Weather experts say summer has officially ended.

Forecasters have confirmed that the latest bout of rain and high winds mean we can pack away our swimming costumes and suntan lotion for another year.

But what a difference a week makes!

Just a few days ago sun worshippers were soaking up the rays as the south was basking in an unexpected Indian summer.

Now it's a different story as people dig out their winter coats and umbrellas.

The heavy downpours started on Sunday and are set to continue over the next few days as the region bears the brunt of the tail end of Hurricane Frances.

With wetter, windier and colder conditions on the way, the Met Office said the change in weather marked the end of summer.

"It's the first of the autumnal storms. There will be lots more to come," said spokesman Dominic Woollatt.

There could be worse on the way as meteorologists try to predict the next moves of Hurricane Ivan, which has already wreaked havoc in the Caribbean.

Mr Woollatt said: "The recent bad weather is due to the air mass left over from Hurricane Frances, which was drawn across the Atlantic as a deep depression.

"It held lots of moisture and that caused all the rain."

He said it was impossible to track the next movements of Hurricane Ivan but said it was unlikely it would hit England with such ferocity.

Across Hampshire there was half an inch of rainfall in less than 24 hours with strong winds throughout Sunday night and yesterday morning.

WHAT'S TO COME:

Forecasters predicted gales gusting up to 45mph along the coast today and prolonged showers with the possibility of some thunder.

Temperatures were set to reach a maximum of 19C (66F).

Tomorrow the showers will fade away with the north westerly winds turning into a gentle breeze. Daytime temperatures will reach 20C (68F) but dip to 4C (39F) at night.

The weather will be dry with light winds on Thursday, with similar temperatures expected.