Portsmouth weather: Challenging conditions expected for Sunday's Great South Run but Saturday looking brighter

The Great South Run starts in Southsea today (Saturday, October 19) with the 5k, junior and mini runs taking place in what is expected to be overcast but mild conditions. However, Sunday’s 10-mile run forecast is looking bleaker with rain and wind set to batter the city throughout the morning and into the mid-afternoon.

Despite the forecast, Great South Run organisers have confirmed that the event will be going ahead. A spokesperson said: “Conditions are looking challenging for runners for Sunday’s Great South Run, with rain and wind forecast, however the event will go ahead as planned.

“We’re advising runners to be prepared for the conditions and to bring warm layers to wear at the start line, as well as leaving warm, dry clothes in the baggage marquee facility to put on after they finish.

“We will continue to monitor the weather ahead of Sunday and will keep runners updated with any changes.”

The Met Office’s current forecast for Sunday has over a 95 percent chance of rain to last from 9am until 2pm with winds reaching up to 19 miles per hour.

Today’s forecast in Portsmouth is looking brighter despite a wet start in some areas. This morning will be overcast with a 30 per cent chance of rain between 9am and 10am after which the chances of rain drop to 10 per cent or below for the rest of the day.

The first event on Saturday, the 5k, starts at 10am and the last event, the Mini Great South Run, starts at 12.20pm.