WIMBLEDON GETS OFF TO A LUKEWARM START! TENNIS FANS BASK IN 21C HEAT
Tennis fans are set to enjoy 21C highs at Wimbledon today as the tournament begins, but they have been warned to pack a brolly and raincoat for the coming week.
Forecasters expect the competition to kick off with a sunny and mostly dry start in South West London as Carlos Alcaraz starts play on Centre Court this afternoon.
A festival atmosphere rivalling Glastonbury was in full swing as fans queued to get a ticket with Emma Raducanu headlining British hopes on the opening Monday. People have flown from as far away as the US and camped since Friday to be first in line.
But while the weather today should be mostly dry, showers could move in tonight with a chance of downpours tomorrow and then throughout the opening week.
Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: 'Looking ahead to Tuesday, it looks like there could be a couple of showers around the afternoon.
'There will be some sunny spells between those showers and perhaps it'll be a touch warmer, say 22 or 23 degrees.
'As we start to look a bit further ahead towards the middle of week, it looks like we'll see dry cloud and maybe a spot of rain at times through Wednesday afternoon and into the start of Thursday.
'Temperatures are still staying similar to average, so into the low 20s through the second half of the week. But we'll have more detail on that a little bit closer to the time.'
Asked for her advice to Wimbledon spectators, she said: 'Make sure you pack your raincoat and umbrella just in case, and also your sunscreen in case it's hot. Maybe a hat, as well.'
The unsettled weather is being caused by a jet stream heading to the UK, Ms Glaisyer said, leading to low pressure over the country.
She said: 'It's quite a changeable picture at the moment, just due to the location of the jet stream.'
Carlos Alcaraz will have a target on his back as Wimbledon gets under way while Emma Raducanu headlines British hopes on the opening Monday.
Reigning men's champion Alcaraz starts play on Centre Court as he looks to retain his title in what has been called the most open tournament in 20 years.
The women's singles will be as competitive as ever, with Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka among those playing on day one who will be looking to make it eight different winners in as many Championships.
Read more 2024-07-01T06:53:21Z dg43tfdfdgfd