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Issued: 0730 Thursday 8th September 2005
Duty forecaster: Simon Keeling

A dry start for the test match

It's an important day for all England cricket fans today. In case you haven't heard, the fifth and final test of the Ashes series starts at The Oval, in London, today and England only need to draw to win the prestigious competition.

The weather could play an important part in the match during the weekend, although probably not today. Thursday is probably going to be a dry day with good spells of sunshine.

Friday's complication is brought about by thundery showers. These could be heavy as they approach from the southeast and may well be on and off through the course of Friday afternoon, although the morning should stay dry.

Saturday's confidence is not so high. Currently it could well be a damp day with morning rain. This turning more showery in the afternoon, although play is still expected to be interrupted.

Sunday's outlook is also uncertain, but at the present time it is expected to be a drier day with sunny spells.

We'll watch the weather closely over the coming days.

Whatever the weather, keep the sun shining.
Simon