The decision to postpone the start of the Rolex Fastnet race may have been welcomed by many as the prospect of 40 – 50 knot winds caused concerns that the 300-strong fleet may be caught out in open water. The memory of 1979 is still vivid. But the picture of the weather in the Western Approaches on Tuesday is still confused.

xc weather predicts maximum winds of 30 knots from the north west on Tuesday but here is what the Met Office has to say.

“This is an update to the early warning first issued on Friday 10th August. The Met Office is forecasting a period of very wet and windy weather to affect the UK this coming week, in association with one or possibly two deep depressions moving in from the Atlantic. Heavy rain is expected to set in across southwestern parts on Monday evening, and then move northeast, with strong winds in places thereafter, though beyond Monday night there is considerable uncertainty regarding the detailed evolution. The probability that some parts of the UK will be adversely affected is quite high, though pinpointing which these will be is not possible at present. Rainfall totals of around 25mm are likely to occur quite widely, with 75mm or more possible in the worst affected areas. Winds may reach severe gale force in places, and gust to 60-70 mph. Exposed locations in the west and south of the UK are most vulnerable to the strong winds. The predicted winds could lead to minor damage and, combined with heavy rain, could cause disruption to outdoor activities.