DRY, bright and warmer conditions are forecast for Liberation Day tomorrow, meaning contingency plans for how the Island would celebrate 80 years of freedom in the event of wet weather should remain on a shelf at the Bailiff’s Chambers.
After the fresh temperatures of the past few days, Jersey Met is predicting a maximum temperature of 19°C tomorrow, with plenty of sunshine.
Traditional commemorative acts will take place in Liberation Square, including an open-air States Assembly sitting, service of thanksgiving and re-enactment of the events of 9 May 1945, when Jersey was liberated after almost five years’ Occupation by German forces. Memorial services to remember the slave workers who died during the Occupation, and the relief provided by the International Red Cross aid ship SS Vega on 30 December 1944 will also be held.
With Liberation Day being celebrated as Jersey’s official National Day for the first time following a recent States Assembly vote, Islanders will have the opportunity to join in as celebrations continue with a party in the Weighbridge in St Helier and a series of parish-based activities across the weekend.
Dave Rigby, senior forecaster for Jersey Met, said: “Friday should see quite a contrast with the cool weather we saw for the Boat Show last weekend – it’ll be bright in the morning and mainly sunny in the afternoon, albeit there’ll still be a ‘nuisance’ wind of around force 4, or perhaps a little stronger in the morning.”
Protection against the effect of the sun was recommended for those who will be outside, Mr Rigby added, with the UV Index set to reach 6.
While the forecast for Saturday also looks promising, Jersey Met has warned that conditions for the latter half of the weekend could change.
“There’s quite a bit of uncertainty about when things may change and become more unsettled, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast,” Mr Rigby said.
For details of events planned over the holiday weekend, see Liberation Diary on pages 12 and 13.
