Olympic torch relay weather – days 1 to 3

With just 70 days to go until the London 2012 Olympics gets underway, the torch relay begins this weekend. The torch will travel around the country, with the Olympic flame shining brightly within 10 miles of 95 per cent of people in the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey.

The British weather is notorious for its variability and many will be hoping that it doesn’t dampen spirits too much as preparations for the games continue.

Cornwall and Devon are the focus for the start of this event that continues until 27 July. So what will the weather bring?

Saturday 19 May – Land’s End to Plymouth (Day 1)

It’ll be a cool start at Land’s End with some patchy mist and low cloud possible, but as the torch heads eastwards and arrives in Newquay at lunchtime, the skies should be bright with occasional sunshine and a temperature of 14C.

For the remainder of the afternoon as the torch heads towards Plymouth, a build up of cloud could give an odd shower, but it’s likely to remain largely dry with a light southerly breeze.

Sunday 20 May – Plymouth to Exeter (Day 2)

Another cool start is expected as the torch sets off from Plymouth, although it should be dry, if not quite cloudy. What will be noticeable is a brisk, cool and gusty north easterly wind – more especially as the torchbearers’ journey along the coastline.

On arriving in Totnes around lunchtime, the cloud will have thickened somewhat and there’s a reasonable chance of some showery outbreaks of rain developing during the afternoon and early evening as the relay continues to Exeter. Temperatures reaching around 15C.

Monday 21 May – Exeter to Taunton (Day3)

A slightly milder start to the day is expected on Monday morning as the relay sets off from Exeter, albeit with plenty of cloud. As the route ascends up around the periphery of Dartmoor towards Ilfracombe, there’s an increasing risk of some showers as the morning progresses.

Through the afternoon between Ilfracombe and Taunton, the risk of showers will continue and for the exposed part of the route along the north of Exmoor National Park, there’ll be a brisk and gusty northerly wind. This will make it feel quite cool at times, despite a temperature of around 16C.

So whilst the weather for the start of the Olympic torch relay doesn’t look like a washout, it’s not likely to be that warm either – which will probably be a relief for those carrying the torch, but maybe not so much for those standing still spectating.

Next week, there are still signs that the weather will turn drier, sunnier and warmer as high pressure builds across the UK. Temperatures could quite widely reach the low 20s celsius by Tuesday and Wednesday.

Don’t forget, you can stay up to date with the latest weather forecast on the Channel 4 Weather website, or you can contact me at anytime on Twitter – @liamdutton