Rain And Thunderstorms Threaten To Disrupt Notting Hill Carnival
Rain and thunderstorms could disrupt parts of the Notting Hill Carnival weekend, with forecasters warning that unsettled weather may affect celebrations at one of Europe's largest street festivals.
The carnival is expected to attract around two million people to west London, with events taking place across the streets of Notting Hill. The latest forecast suggests conditions will vary considerably throughout the weekend, with periods of rain and possible thunderstorms followed by brighter spells.
Thundery showers are forecast to develop from Friday as unsettled weather reaches the capital. Temperatures are expected to be around 20C, considerably cooler than the exceptionally hot conditions experienced across London during much of the summer.
Saturday is also expected to bring wet weather to Notting Hill, with rain forecast during the morning. Thunderstorms are expected at several points during the day, including one period between 10am and 11am and another between 4pm and 6pm.
The forecast could prove challenging for carnival-goers because the event takes place largely outdoors. Large crowds will be moving through the streets throughout the celebrations, meaning persistent rain or thunderstorms could affect both spectators and performers.
Conditions are expected to improve during Sunday, although the weather is unlikely to remain completely dry. Forecasts indicate clearer conditions for much of the day before rain becomes more likely from around 3pm.
There is also a risk of further thunder and lightning on Sunday evening. The latest forecast suggests these conditions could develop from around 7pm, although much of the day's main carnival activity is expected to have taken place by that stage.
The bank holiday Monday is currently expected to offer the most favourable conditions of the weekend. Sunny spells and clearer skies are forecast, with temperatures rising slightly to around 22C across much of the day.
The changing forecast comes after one of London's hottest summers on record, when extreme temperatures had appeared more likely to be the main weather concern for the carnival. Organisers have previously warned visitors about the risks associated with excessive heat and advised people to take precautions if temperatures rise.
However, rain is not unusual during the carnival and has not historically stopped the event from going ahead. Previous editions have continued despite periods of heavy rainfall, with revellers choosing to continue celebrating despite difficult weather conditions.
Heavy rain affected the carnival in 2018, but the event continued as planned. Similar wet conditions were also experienced during the 2014 and 2015 celebrations, demonstrating that poor weather has not necessarily prevented the festival from taking place.
Organisers have issued advice covering different weather conditions and are encouraging visitors to prepare appropriately. For periods of heavy rain, people attending are advised to consider suitable waterproof clothing and footwear before heading into the carnival area.
The potential for thunderstorms means visitors may also need to remain alert to changing conditions during the weekend. Weather forecasts can change as an event approaches, particularly when thunderstorms are involved, so people attending are likely to need to monitor the latest updates before travelling.
Despite the unsettled forecast, there is no indication that the carnival itself is being cancelled. The event is expected to continue across the bank holiday weekend, with organisers preparing for a large turnout regardless of the weather.
The latest forecast therefore presents a mixed outlook for visitors, with rain and thunderstorms potentially affecting parts of the celebrations before brighter conditions develop. Around two million people are expected to visit west London, and the carnival is set to continue with revellers being advised to prepare for changing weather.
Got a news story or tip to share? Contact our editorial team by emailing news@lakelandpost.co.uk or call us directly on 0333 090 2080.