2016 London Marathon: Cold winds and showers to greet runners

By Eric Leister, Meteorologist

April 19,2016; 11:23PM,EDT

 

 

Unsettled weather will dominate as thousands of runners congregate on the starting line for the 2016 London Marathon on 24 April.
While high pressure will foster dry weather across the United Kingdom for much of the week, an area of low pressure will bring unsettled weather for the weekend.

Chilly air and a gusty wind will greet runners Sunday morning and continue from start to finish. While start times vary from 8:55 BST (3:55 a.m. ET), the mass race will begin at 10:00 BST (5:00 a.m. ET).
Following several days of temperatures reaching 13-16 C (55-60 F), temperatures will be near only 7 C (45 F) at the start of the race with a high of 10 C (50 F) during the afternoon, which would make it one of the coldest London Marathons on record.
"All runners are different-some like warmer while some like cooler-but generally the milder the better," Brian Dalek, digital editor at Runner's World, said.

The lowest temperature ever recorded at Heathrow International Airport during the marathon is 5.3 C (41.5 F) while the highest is 22.2 C (72.0 F), according to the Met Office.
"Most people will be happy with something in the 40- to 50-degree (4.4-10 C) range, a little cloud coverage to block out the sun in your face, and low wind so you don't have another obstacle to deal with," Dalek said.
Though temperatures may be in an acceptable range for runners, spectators will want to pack rain gear and a jacket. Accuweather RealFeel® Temperatures will be near 5C (40 F) throughout the race due to occasionally gusty winds and lack of sunshine.
While most of the day will be dry, showers are expected along with plenty of clouds both during the morning and afternoon.
"A little precipitation is actually fine, but when it's a heavy downpour for several hours, then it can be harder to deal with," he said.
RELATED:
United Kingdom Weather Center
MinuteCast® for your location
Interactive United Kingdom weather radar
Anyone with plans following the marathon can expect continued showers into the evening with temperatures falling to 6 C (42 F) by 22:00 BST (5:00 p.m. ET).