London marathon 2016 weather: Wintry showers means runners could face sleet and snow

Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 11 degrees Celsius for Sunday’s race

(Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

People taking part in the London marathon this year could be met with snow for the first time in its 35 year history, after wintry showers were forecast for this weekend.

Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 11 degrees Celsius on Sunday in London, making it feel noticeably colder than recent days due to a blast of arctic air flowing down from the north of the UK and into the south.

Wintry showers have been forecast for the weekend. A spokesperson for the Met Office said that while it was unlikely London would see any snowfall during the marathon it is “possible,” adding that the wintry showers could bring sleet on Sunday, too.

“It is possible but it won’t settle and it won’t cause any problems on the day,” a spokeswoman from the Met Office told The Independent, adding, “but it might be a bit cold for the spectators.”

Sunday’s weather is expected to be largely overcast, but the pollen count will be moderate and there will be a UV index of four which spectators should be wary of. The spokeswoman said: “The UV level is moderate and it’s not the time of year people associate with putting cream on, but the strength of the sun in April can catch people unawares – it looks overcast on the day, however.”

Temperatures will be low across the country this weekend, reaching highs of 10 degrees in Bristol, three degrees in Newcastle and five in Glasgow. Overnight will feel cold with frost expected. Temperatures will drop to minus one in Glasgow, reach zero degrees in Birmingham and two degrees in Southampton.