More than 74,000 homes across the east of England were left without electricity yesterday as wind and heavy rain brought down power lines.

EDF energy said last night that it had restored power in most areas but 4,000 homes were still without electricity.

The disruption came as millions of Britons shivered through the washed-out Bank Holiday, which weather forecasters had predicted.

Plummeting temperatures, gales and torrential rain persisted. Public transport was disrupted, events were cancelled and emergency services were kept busy.

In Alaska temperatures hit 16C (61F) – practically balmy compared with England’s average of 11C. Parts of Siberia were warmer than High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, the coldest spot in the country, where temperatures fell to 5C.

The Met Office reported that the weekend was one of the wettest and coldest bank holidays for years, far below the May average of 17C.

However, indoor attractions were celebrating the bad weather. Shops and museums in London were bustling and the new £62 million Dickens World, an indoor theme park in Kent, was filled to capacity.

Thames Water confirmed that the deluge had made water restrictions less likely this summer.

Seaside resorts were heavily booked by families counting on bursts of sunshine. But by Saturday afternoon all hope had evaporated. Much of England endured downpours topping 50mm (2in). St Catherine’s Point, on the Isle of Wight, had received almost 75mm since the start of the Bank Holiday.

Ferries to the island were cancelled and two yachts from France had to be rescued in the Channel.

In Exeter, three teenagers who camped beside the River Exe had to be rescued after being surrounded by fast-flowing water.

One of Britain’s biggest carnivals, the Luton International Festival, which was expected to attract more than 100,000 people, was cancelled.

Most of Western Europe suffered too. The weather will improve today, then it is misery again for most of the week.

— Outlook

Today (max: 17C)

Rain will push north towards Scotland. Plenty of sunshine and scattered showers expected. Cool temperatures

Tomorrow (max: 17C)

Unsettled weather with further rain and showers

Thursday (max: 17C)

Heaveir showers will be slow moving. Thunder expected. Temperatures generally rising to around normal

Friday (max: 18C)

More heavy showers. Thunder expected. Temperatures generally around normal

Saturday (max: 17C)

More unsettled weather. Rather cool. Cloud or rain or showers in most areas, heavy in the South with thunder risk