Thunderstorms could hit London during Jubilee concert

Thunderstorms could dampen performances from the likes of Craig David and Alicia Keys at the BBC’s Platinum Party at the Palace on Saturday.

The Met Office is considering issuing a weather warning as it predicts heavy, possibly thundery, showers for parts of England and London on Saturday evening, during the Jubilee concert.

The forecaster is expected to review the situation on Friday morning.

A total of 22,000 spectators are expected to attend the event outside Buckingham Palace, which is set to be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Radio 2.

Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said: “It’s being monitored but at the moment there’s not enough confidence to issue any warnings.

“But it’s one that’s going to be reviewed tomorrow morning as to whether or not we do require a thunderstorm warning, simply because of the number of people we’re expecting in the capital on Saturday night, so that’s one area of slight concern in terms of weather causing some issues for festivities.”

The show will see appearances from stars including Sir David Attenborough, Emma Raducanu, David Beckham and Stephen Fry, as well as a specially recorded performance from Sir Elton John.

Diana Ross is also scheduled to close the two-and-a-half hour show with her first UK live performance in 15 years.

Mr Partridge said one of the main risks highlighted in a potential weather warning would be visibility on the roads and the impact on travel times for drivers.

He said: “I suppose it would be advice to take care or, at the very least, to leave extra time for journeys, because in those areas of rain, the visibility – because of the surface spray as well as just the rain on the road – will really mean you will have to reduce speeds.

“Certainly heavy rain with a risk of lightning and the usual associated risks there of some surface water issues, spray, poor visibility on the roads, and of course, if you are out, you are going to get wet.”

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