Grand National 2022: what is the weather forecast? Are warnings expected?

The Grand National festival is now underway with three days of horse racing ahead of us.

The opening day will begin with its first race at 1.45pm BST before Ladies Day commences tomorrow, Friday 8 April, and the final Radox Grand National with the historic Steeplechase race takes place on Saturday 9 April 2022.

Minella Times won the 2021 race with Rachael Blackmore the jockey. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no spectators were allowed into the festival meaning no one was able to witness history being made live as Blackmore became the first woman to win at the Grand National.

The 32-year-old Irish jockey is now also the first woman to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup after she came first across the line with A Plus Tard earlier this year.

Blackmore and Minella Times will aim to make it two wins in two years as they race again in 2022, hoping to match Tiger Roll’s record.

Red Rum is the competition’s most successful horse, winning three times in the 1970s. It won in 1973, 1974 and 1977 coming second in the two intervening races.

As it is one of the biggest events in the racing calendar, Aintree race course will be bustling with thousands of spectators all hoping to enjoy the numerous races in glorious sunshine.

However, it is likely spectators hoping to catch some rays will be disappointed, as the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Merseyside with wind and rain expected throughout the first day.

The Met Office said: “Across North Wales and Northwest England, winds are expected to peak during the early hours, when guests will widely reach 50 to 60mph and possibly around 70mph close to some coasts.”

When is the Grand National?

The first race is scheduled to begin at 1.45pm BST Thursday 7 April 2022 with the day concluding around 6pm.

The weekend will conclude around 6pm on Saturday 9 April 2022 with the Radox Grand National SteepleChase due to start at 4.45pm BST.

How to watch the Grand National

ITV have the rights for the event and will be broadcasting a majority of the races. Go to our article on How to watch the Grand National to find out more.

What is the weather expected to be like over the weekend?

The weather is due to brighten up over the course of the day with winds easing and some sunny spells expected.

On Thursday, highs of 7℃ are due with a 60% chance of rain at 3pm. It is supposed to brighten up later into the afternoon and early evening with sun expected to appear at 6pm.

On Friday, the sun is expected to shine with showers likely between 4pm and 6pm. The temperature will reach highs of 8℃ but will feel like 4℃.

Wind speeds will be far calmer, reaching highs of just 17mph.

For the main event on Saturday, it is likely to be similar to the weather on Friday. Sunny spells may be interrupted at around 1pm with temperatures once again around 8℃ and wind speed at 14mph.

Who is set to win the Radox Grand National?

Minella Times is the bookies’ favourite for the main event with Delta Work and Easysland close behind.

Go to our article on Grand National betting tips to find out more.