Thunderstorms to Threaten Play at Wimbledon

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

June 26,2014; 9:12PM,EDT

 

 

While dry weather prevailed for the start of the Wimbledon Championships, showers and thunderstorms threaten to cause some interruptions through Saturday.
Thursday started on another dry note with a mixture of clouds and sunshine, but a shower reached the All England Club in London before the day's matches were complete.
A couple of showers and thunderstorms will follow for both Friday and Saturday. On Friday, the afternoon will prove to be more active than the morning hours.
An all-day soaking rain will not unfold either Friday or Saturday, allowing some matches to be squeezed in between the showers and thunderstorms. However, players and spectators should not be optimistic of the prospect of no interruptions.

"While the precipitation will not be continuous, any rainfall into Saturday could be enough to cause delays on outside courts," stated AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Eric Leister.
The unsettled weather and accompanying clouds will hold temperatures to a more seasonable high of 70 F (21 C) Friday and Saturday, preventing a repeat of the early week warmth that sent temperatures to the upper 70s F (around 25 C).
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Even though the Centre Court roof will keep matches going through any adverse weather, Leister reported that it will create a different environment for players.
Tennis Channel analyst Justin Gimelstob noted, "When the roof closes, Wimbledon becomes an indoor event with a completely controlled environment, no sun nor wind which favors the more aggressive player."
Andy Murray of Britain kisses the trophy as he poses for photographers after winning against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the Men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon, London, Sunday, July 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, Pool)
After a break in play on Sunday, an isolated and brief shower or two will likely keep London and the All England Club damp for play Monday and Tuesday.
Rain could have a greater impact on the semi-finals and finals later next week as a slow-moving storm system reaches the United Kingdom.