RECORDS show last month was the second driest September since records began.

With an average daily rainfall of just 3.8mm, it rained only 6% of what is usually expected for the time of year.

It was also the sixth warmest September since records began in 1910, with an average maximum temperature of 21C – more than two degrees above the expected temperature.

The average temperature for Sussex was 15.8C – also the sixth highest ever – which soared above the national average for last month of 13.9C.

The extended summer has been a hit with businesses.

Seafront tradesman Adam Chinnery, of Brighton Watersports, said: “It has been brilliant down here for the guys.

“Throughout history we have always had an Indian summer. In fact it’s only last year I can remember us not really having one.

“Our August was pretty dire, so that levels it out a little bit.

“The weather makes a massive difference – it means I’m able to employ the students right up until they start their terms, whereas last year I had to let them go about four weeks prior to that.

“On a rainy day on the seafront I employ one person, but on a sunny day I’ll employ seven. That’s the difference the weather makes.

“The summer months are what keeps us afloat for the rest of the year, so the longer the summer lasts, the better for us.”

It was almost a record-breaking year for Sussex with the driest ever September seeing just 3.6mm of average daily rainfall.

The warmest September on record was recorded in 2006 with an average temperature of 17.3C.

Mark Wilson, Met Office meteorologist, said: “High pressure has stayed firmly in control of the UK’s weather and this brings fine, dry and sunny settled conditions across the country.

“At the same time it tends to block low pressure systems that bring in wind and rain from the Atlantic and that’s why rainfall has been so low.”

But make the most of it, because a low pressure system is expected to float its way over Sussex towards the end of the week which might spell the end of summer.

Average daily rainfall in Sussex in recent Septembers

2014: 3.8mm
2013: 57.2mm
2012: 83.6mm
2011: 44.4mm 
2010: 45.1mm