The long hot summer cooled in the last 36 hours, and this evening hailstones fell, followed by a shower that caused ground water to collect in the usual places. That included the bus lay by on High Street, in Abingdon;

the end of the Abbey Close near that pointed thing celebrating the millennium;

and a trolley park in the Waitrose carpark.

Over recent weeks the countryside has seen a contrast between the oaten grass and green plants with deeper roots. But two trees are suffering a premature autumn at the recently rebuilt Abbey Meadow play area. Perhaps their roots have not had a chance to get established.

More rain is forecast.

A Hot Air Balloon drifted over Abingdon-on-Thames this evening.

There are a lot of caravans and camper vans at Abingdon Vale Cricket Ground – enjoying the riverside location, and the town of Abingdon a short walk away.

There are also lots of boats out in the sunshine by the River Thames.

People who chose a summer holiday in the UK are having some wonderful weather this year. According to the newspapers, Spain and Portugal could be about to record the highest ever temperature for Europe.

Some of that hot air will blow this way.

On Sunday afternoon, the Abbey Brass played in the Abbey Gardens. The concert involved the training band followed by the main band. There was shade under the trees for the band and the audience.

The recently re-opened Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool, nearby, has been getting full over recent sunny weekends.

Thrupp Lake also attracted outdoor swimmers. At least they were not bombing about on jet skies as this is supposed to be as a wildlife haven.