THE adage that it never rains on Battle of Flowers day is set to hold partially true this year, as forecasters predict that early-morning rain and drizzle on Friday will clear to “plenty of sunshine”.
And temperatures could rise above 30°C on Sunday.
The welcome news comes after Islanders had to bring their brollies to last year’s parade, in soggy conditions described at the time by Battle of Flowers chair Russell Labey as “some of the worst weather we have had for a parade in recent years”.
Speaking to the JEP about conditions for Battle’s day parade, Jersey Met forecaster Martin Nduta said: “There’s a likelihood of some light rain and drizzle across the bay, but that will be clearing by 9.10am, so opening the sky to plenty of sunshine for the rest of the day.”
The forecaster added that Saturday was expected to be sunny, following “a little bit of cloudiness” in the morning. “But generally, temperatures are starting to pick up, and we are also looking at possibly 30 or 31°C on Sunday,” Mr Nduta added.
This weekend’s event will see all 12 parishes participate for the first time in a generation, with the return of St Ouen and St Mary after a long hiatus and the formation of the “Northern Alliance”, featuring St Martin, St John and Trinity.
The event will feature performances by Eurovision star Sam Ryder on Friday, UK Queen (a Queen tribute act with Jersey-born lead guitarist Johnny Senett) on Saturday, and former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow on Sunday.
Islanders planning to travel this weekend are reminded that Victoria Avenue will be closed today, Saturday and Sunday, with delays likely.
