IF the predictions of the Saxon bishop St Swithin are to be believed, then Devon should expect rain for the next 40 days and nights.

During St Swithin’s Day yesterday the heavens opened in Exeter and the surrounding area, amid bright sunshine.

However, weather experts from the Met Office at Exeter gave comfort saying it was “highly unlikely” the next 40 days would be plagued by downpours, just because July 15 was wet.

Light rain came amid bright sunshine and warm temperatures across the area yesterday.

But the Met Office warned that heavier rain is expected today, and the clouds are threatening to bring more wet weather tomorrow and over the weekend.

A spokesman said with the damp conditions there will be warm temperatures — much the same as the 18-20C, 60 to 68F, experienced this week. The spokesman for the weather experts said that unlike St Swithin’s their weather predictions were based on science, rather than myth.

“We have had light showers and it will stay unsettled over the next day or two into the weekend,” he said.

“More showers are expected today and tomorrow in particular — a bit more than yesterday.”

He said heavy rain was due tonight followed by showers tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday, though it would also by sunny.

“Temperatures are likely to be about 18C and above,  much the same as it has been during days this week,” he added.

Legend records that “St Swithin’s day, if thou dost rain, for 40 days it will remain; St Swithin’s day, if thou be fair, for 40 days twill rain na mair.”

The prediction comes from a medieval book of saints’ stories.

The godly saint was born in the old kingdom of Wessex, now the South West, and educated in its capital, Winchester, becoming bishop in 852.

Only one miracle is attributed to him involving an old lady’s eggs which he made whole again after they were smashed.

Following his death his remains were removed to another resting place, giving rise to the rain legend. On that day storms began lasting 40 days and 40 nights, and were said to indicate the saint’s displeasure at being moved.