Showers, thunderstorms to dampen early days at Royal Ascot; Will dry weather return for the weekend?

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

Royal Ascot 2019 kicked off on Tuesday with cool and showery weather, and more rainfall is possible in the coming days.

Around 300,000 spectators are expected to take part in the five-day event, which features 30 races and multiple visits from the Royal Family.

Day two will once again be at risk for wet weather as showers and even a thunderstorm may affect racing and spectators.

While a washout is not expected, a shower or thunderstorm is possible any time during the day, with an afternoon high temperature of 18 C (64 F).

The threat for rainfall will lower on Thursday; however, a brief shower or two can still briefly dampen festivities for the third day of racing.

Afternoon temperatures will remain slightly below normal, with a daytime high of 19 C (66 F).

RELATED:
United Kingdom Weather Center
MinuteCast® for your location
Interactive United Kingdom weather radar

Another slight improvement in the weather is expected on Friday, as most of the day will be dry with only a brief shower in the area.

A high temperature of 18 C (64 F) is expected during the afternoon hours with sunny periods.

The final day of Royal Ascot 2019 is forecast to have the best weather of the week, making for a fantastic day of racing.

Ideal weather is expected for the running of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, known as one of the world's great international sprint races.

Sunny intervals will prevail throughout the day with the highest temperatures of the week as the mercury peaks near 21 C (69 F) during the afternoon hours.

Download the free AccuWeather app to monitor this week's forecast for your community.