The 185th Henley Royal Regatta commenced today on the River Thames, marked by an overcast sky and scattered rainfall. Guests arrived in elegant attire but were met with drizzle, prompting many to use jackets and umbrellas to stay dry. This year’s event follows a significant heatwave last week that gave way to cooler, wetter conditions across the UK.
The Met Office forecasts a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, mainly affecting Scotland and Northern Ireland, with rain moving eastward tonight. Despite the changeable weather, the south is expected to remain relatively dry but cloudy. Temperatures hovered around 20°C today, easing rain in the southern regions as the day progressed.
Established on 26 March 1839, the Henley Royal Regatta is a notable rowing event. Daily admission for the event varies between £34 and £56, and the 2024 Regatta will run from 2 to 7 July. Provisional data from the Met Office indicated that June 2024 was dry, cool, and sunny compared to historical averages, with the UK seeing 29% less rainfall than usual.
On another note, spectators at Wimbledon were also seen using umbrellas and rain covers as showers affected the second day of the Championships. The unsettled weather is forecast to continue, with rain and breezy conditions predicted for many parts of the UK, including heavy downpours in Wales, which experienced temperatures up to 27°C in late June before they dropped significantly.
While today's weather may be disappointing for many enjoying outdoor events, a gradual return to warmer conditions is anticipated next week, with the Met Office predicting more settled weather and rising temperatures.