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Boat Race 2024: What is the weather forecast?

The Boat Race will be contested along the River Thames  (Getty Images)
The Boat Race will be contested along the River Thames (Getty Images)

Oxford and Cambridge will battle for bragging rights on another busy Boat Race Saturday on the River Thames.

The feature men’s and women’s races should again be hotly contested, with a long-running rivalry between the two universities on the water stretching back almost 200 years.

Cambridge’s twin victories last year extended their overall advantage in both events: they lead the men’s series 86-81 (one tie) and have won the women’s race 47 times, 17 more than Oxford.

With fans expected to line the riverbanks to provide support for the competing crews, all involved will be keeping a keen eye on the weather forecast.

While there are plenty of places for spectators to nip into for shelter, those rowing will be exposed to the elements.

The medium-range forecast looks uncertain, with a few morning showers perhaps lingering into the afternoon when the racing starts.

Temperatures should reach the mid-teens, although the sun is unlikely to make more than a brief appearance on an overcast day.

What time are the Boat Races and what is the full schedule?

The two marquee races begin at 2.46pm GMT and 3.46pm GMT respectively

Time (GMT)

Event

10:00

River closes – Preliminary road closures in place. Hammersmith Bridge closes to cyclists and pedestrians

10:15

Festival of Rowing starts in Mortlake

11:00

Fan Zones open – Fulham and Hammersmith

11:30

Festival of Rowing Arrives in Putney

11:30

Festival of Rowing ends in Mortlake

12:40

Women’s Boat Race coin toss (Putney Embankment)

13:00

Final road closures in place

13:15

The Men’s Boat Race coin toss (Putney Embankment)

14:00

BBC broadcast starts

14:46

78th Women’s Boat Race

15:01

Osiris v Blondie Race

15:16

Isis v Goldie Boat Race

15:46

169th Men’s Boat Race

16:15

Women’s winning crew trophy presentation (Mortlake)

16:20

Men’s winning crew trophy presentation (Mortlake)

16:25

Women’s Boat Race Cox and Men’s Boat Race cox toss (Mortlake)

16:30

BBC Broadcast Ends

17:00

Hammersmith Bridge Opens to Cyclists and Pedestrians.

17:30

River Opens

18:00

Fan Zones at Fulham and Hammersmith close