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We've all heard the famous phrase, "It never rains on Battle Day!" — but new stats have shown that's only true around a third of the time.
Ahead of the Battle of Flowers' 120th anniversary parades this week, Jersey Met decided to take a look back at its own records during that time.
Here's what they found...
While 66 Battle of Flowers parades had no measurable rainfall, the heavens opened on 27 of the 93 to have taken place since 1902.
One in five (20%) of parades received up to 5mm of rain, while just under one in 10 (9%) saw more than 5mm of rain.
...took place on 30 July 1953, with a total of 18.7mm of rainfall.
...was on 29 July 1971. In total, crowds enjoyed a delightful 15 hours of sunshine.
With temperatures forecast to peak around 30°C on Battle Day this Thursday, here's a weather summary of Battles past!#battleisback #jerseybattleofflowers @BattleofFlower pic.twitter.com/oaX5httKji
— Jersey Met (@Jersey_Met) August 8, 2022
In terms of temperature, the average temperature for Battle of Flowers day between 1902 and 2019 was 21.1 degrees Celsius.
...took place on 12 August 1909 and 10 August 1995 - and we're not just talking about the competition! Both recorded temperatures of 28.1 degrees.
...was on 15 August 1912, when it was only 14.9 degrees. Brrrr!
No raining on our parade! With temperatures currently forecast to peak at 30 degrees on Thursday, it looks like this year's Battle could be the hottest to date.
It will be such a scorcher, in fact, that the Government's Public Health team are urging spectators to take the following precautions:
Wear sunscreen and hats when outside.
Drink plenty of water. Avoid tea, coffee, and alcohol.
Wear loose, cool clothing.
Help those who are likely to struggle in the heat.
If possible, stay out of the sun for long periods and avoid the hottest part of the day, which could be later in the afternoon.
Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, noted: “It is vital that Islanders, especially those at risk, take these necessary precautions over the week as we are expecting temperatures to rise and to ensure a safe Battle Day. I encourage everyone to look out for those that are vulnerable to extreme heat and less able to look after themselves.”
Ways to spot someone who may be suffering from heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, small rashes, dizziness and fainting, exhaustion, disorientation and confusion and hot dry skin.
You can get weather updates, tide times and the top headlines on the hour on Bailiwick Radio Hits and Classics - listen online, on DAB+ or via the free Bailiwick Express app.
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