It's the question that occupies thousands of racegoers every year: will it or won't it rain on Ladies Day? And the run-up to the annual big day out is filled with the equally big question of what to wear.
The summer highlight at Newcastle Racecourse has endured its fair share of less than summery weather in the past which has dampened if not people's spirits then certainly their feathered hats and fascinators. Racegoers can plan their outfits weeks, sometimes months, in advance only for our ever-changing weather forecast to force a last-minute re-think - and that forecast has now changed for this Saturday's Ladies Day.
The event includes the popular best-dressed competition - now called the Style Awards - so that question of whether or not it will rain is extra important as there are lots of lavish prizes up for grabs for those who dress to impress. And, following the recent freakish heatwave, it's understandable that everyone has been more uncertain than ever about what might be in store weather-wise.
Read more: Prizes revealed for best-dressed lady competition
So, to help racegoers hedge their bets, here is the latest forecast for the day. It applies specifically to Newcastle Racecourse and we have now updated it this Saturday morning as there's been a change.
Hour-by-hour weather forecast for Newcastle Ladies Day
The summary of the day so far for sunny intervals for the start, changing to cloud by lunchtime and now, unfortunately, there is a greater chance or rain later in the day. And the temperature should reach a high of 19 degrees, lower than predictions earlier in the week of 21 degrees .
10am - There will be sunshine at this point just as finishing touches are put to raceday outfits and people start planning their arrival at Gosforth Park Park. Temperatures will be around 17 degrees and it will feel a bit humid, with humidity increasing later from about 4pm.
11am - Much the same, with the sun dipping behind clouds, but just a degree or so warmer as gates open at the racecourse to allow entry to the crowds which will have built up by now. The chance of rain remains small at around 5%.
12noon - Gosforth Park will be busy by this point and people can expect to mill around outside in steadily warming temperatures although that sun will be hiding now behind the cloud. Risk of rain rises a little but remains low at 10%.
1pm - The cloud will have set in ahad of the time of the first of the day's races - but visibility will be very good for those watching the action. It will be about 19 degrees - the highest of the day and set to remain so, falling just a little from 3pm.
2pm - Much the same, with just a 10% risk of rain. It will start to feel a bit breezy later.
3pm - Warmish and cloudy with 19mph winds, so keep an eye on to those hats.
4pm - Temperatures will remain at 18 degrees and feeling a couple of degrees under. Threat of rain rises to 20%.
5pm - This is the biggest change to the day's forecast as the risk of rain increases to 50% although it the worst does happen it will be light. Cloudy with temperatures of 18 degrees but feeling more like 16 degrees.
6pm - Following the close of racing and for the start of Rosie Ramsey's Massaoke entertainment, people keen to make the most of being outdoors will be glad to know the risk of rain drops a little, to 40% which remains for the rest of the evening. Those heading off for the after-show parties in Newcastle can expect the cloud to remain as well as those temperatures of around 18 degrees - feeling just a touch cooler - and the risk of rain will drop off to 10% around 9pm.
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