Cowes Week forecast

Hot and sunny - unless you're there on Tuesday...

This morning confirmed entries at Skandia Cowes Week look set to exceed the 2002 total of 901 boats. With entries filed up to 1800 hrs the day before the start of racing tomorrow, the organisers are expecting the final tally to be over 950 boats. Apart from the exceptional entry level of 1,000 entries in 2001, the year of the America’s Cup Jubilee, 2003 sets a new participation record.

Weather

The cloud and light rain today will slowly move away as a ridge of high pressure becomes established over the English Channel.

This will give clearing skies and sunny conditions for tomorrow which is the start of a more settled and warm period expected for the next few days. The high pressure will establish itself over the North Sea blocking any low-pressure systems moving in from the Atlantic. During the early part of next week the wind will increase from the east as the temperature continues to rise.

Wind

Saturday
The wind is expected to be a light northerly at less than a force 3 during the morning. As the day progresses there should be gentle sea breezes from the south east in the Eastern Solent and south west in the Western Solent. The wind is likely to stay at a force 3 or less.



Sunday
As the high moves over the North Sea the wind will pick up from the east or southeast during the morning to a force 3 during the afternoon. It will remain warm and sunny.



Monday
A strengthening east to south east wind is expected up to a force 4 or 5 during the afternoon. Hot and sunny although visibility will be hazy.



Tuesday
Continuing easterly and strengthening probably to a force 5 during the afternoon. There is also the increasing possibility of heavy showers or thunder. Generally moderate or poor visibility.



Wednesday and the rest of the week will be dominated by the high pressure over the North Sea. The Solent will have mainly light or moderate east to south easterly winds and visibility will remain moderate. Although there will be depressions to the west out in the Atlantic the high pressure will block their travel to the east



Thursday



Friday



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