Weather Watch: Weather plays a big part at sports events

Coinciding nicely with the current fine weather, the start of July sees a plethora of sporting events across the UK and the weather could well play a role in many.
Wimbledon Centre CourtWimbledon Centre Court
Wimbledon Centre Court

The annual Wimbledon tennis championships began on Monday.

While all too frequent rain interruptions have made the umpire’s announcement that “play is suspended” synonymous with the tournament over the years, wind, sunshine and probably this year, high temperatures, can also affect players’ performances.

The 2015 British Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place just across the county border at Silverstone this weekend.

Weather is crucial in determining the way in which the cars perform, especially tyres, where the difference between a dry or wet track makes several seconds difference to lap times.

Track temperatures also have a big effect on tyre performance and with values anything from 18C on a cool, wet day to over 45C when hot and sunny, the teams will be keeping a close eye on the hot, but potentially thundery forecast.

The weekend also sees the Ladies European Masters at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club in Denham.

Wind can again play a big part, while lightning – of which there’s a threat early this weekend – is a particular danger for golfers.

Next Wednesday, Cardiff, hosts the start of the first Test in this summer’s Ashes cricket series.

Weather again plays a key role, with ball and pitch behaviour, and advantage dependent on cloud cover, humidity and ambient temperatures.

Here in Aylesbury Vale, very hot today, a shade cooler tomorrow before the heat builds again on Friday.

A thunder risk early in the weekend with more heat and humidity but it should be sunny and noticeably fresher on Sunday.