Thousands of people are descending on Southport as the town hosts a major four-day event, the Southport Flower Show, the UK's largest independent flower show, with more than 50,000 visitors expected. The event features some of the biggest names in television, radio and entertainment visiting across the weekend.
Gates opened in Victoria Park on Thursday, August 20, for the start of four days of activities. Visitors have a chance to get hands-on with demonstrations and learn from professionals how to create their dream garden.
Wet start with yellow weather warning
It has been a rather wet start to the day, and a yellow weather warning is currently in place until 1pm on Thursday. However, the Met Office said visitors should expect some "brighter" conditions over the next few days.
In its outlook for Southport today, the forecaster said: "A wet start to Thursday as showery rain, sometimes heavy with thunder and hail, moves southwards across the region. This gradually clearing to leave a brighter afternoon, with just a few lighter showers. Feeling cool in the northerly breeze. Maximum temperature 18 °C."
Advice for visitors and weekend outlook
Advice shared on social media from the Southport Flower Show informed guests of how they are coping with the wet weather. A post on Instagram said: "It is a little wet underfoot and some grass areas are saturated but we have plenty of paved footpaths - bring a jacket and good footwear and let’s enjoy a great show."
Looking ahead to Friday, the Met Office said: "Mostly dry to begin Friday with a good number of sunny spells. A few showers developing during the day, but these lighter and more isolated than those on Thursday. Maximum temperature 19 °C." Over the weekend, it said: "Becoming more settled into the outlook period with an increasing number of sunny spells. Temperatures below average for August."
Southport weather forecast
Thursday, August 20: 18°C. Friday, August 21: 18°C. Saturday, August 22: 18°C. Sunday, August 23: 19°C.
