Wimbledon gets off to a lukewarm start! Tennis fans bask in 21C heat
Tennis fans have been warned to pack a brolly and raincoat for Wimbledon as the tournament begins today – although the first day should be pleasant with 21C highs.
Forecasters are predicting showery spells for parts of the opening week - though the competition is expected to kick off with a sunny and mostly dry start today.
Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: 'Looking ahead to Tuesday, it looks like there could be a couple of showers around the afternoon.
Two Wimbledon fans start with their anoraks zipped up and wrapped in a blanket as they waited for the gates to open
Fans have been camping out in the Queue for the start of Wimbledon
Two tennis fans wrapped in duvets after camping out overnight
'There will be some sunny spells between those showers and perhaps it'll be a touch warmer, say 22 or 23 degrees.
Wimbledon order of play today
Centre Court from 1.30pm:
- Carlos Alcaraz (3) v Mark Lajal
- Emma Raducanu v Ekaterina Alexandrova
- Coco Gauff (2) v Caroline Dolehide
Court One from 1pm:
- Daniil Medvedev (5) v Aleksandar Kovacevic
- Aryna Sabalenka (3) v Emina Bektas
- Jannik Sinner (1) v Yannick Hanfmann
'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.
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