The Le Mans weather thread

[lowdrag]

Yes, it's that time of year folks - except this is different. Last year we were suffering a deluge until race week, and then it dried up. To put things into perspective I cut the lawn just before the Classic a couple of weeks after the race last year and didn't cut it again until this year. I haven't cut it for a fortnight as I write. The drought has been the worst I have seen, so if this continues be very careful please. it is going to get dangerous, especially if we have a recurrence of the pyromaniacs we often have. Of course, now I have committed myself to print cats and dogs will come to mind. Actually, I hope so, but only until the beginning of June for the test day.

[lowdrag]

This morning's forecast here is for a good weekend for the test day. But two weeks on, who knows?

[lowdrag]

Rain hail or shine, the current local forecast is for 34C on Sunday. well it was two minutes ago. Now it's dropped to a reasonable 32C

[lowdrag]

The local forecast, taken from the aerodrome behind Camping Bleu, can be found here:-

http://www.meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france...

It is currently, at 12.20, 27C but it will usually get hotter until around 4pm. Possible storms are forecast this afternoon. If so, it's usually nearer 7pm. Rest of the week sunny and rising to 33C on Sunday. Monday, for heaven's sake is currently forecast as 36C but you'll be gone then.

[lowdrag]

Please don't worry. They are only talking about 29C Saturday and 33C Sunday. Tomorrow will be fine with but 27C. Except they can be a few degrees out. My pool hit 31C today.

[lowdrag]

I believe two months early, but I can tell you we are lunching poolside in glorious sunshine if it helps.

PS it is now 3.30 and we have turned the aircon on in the house. I put the thermometer in the sun outside and it is a measly 37C

Edited by lowdrag on Wednesday 18th April 14:43

[lowdrag]

Perhaps there is a pattern. It's the first of the 24 Hours this weekend (bikes) and it is a mere 29C. Great for those wearing black leather I suppose.

[lowdrag]

davidd said:

People will be there in 4 weeks (unless you are Lowdrag in which case...)

I might as well go away "darn sarf" this year anyway. Bar stewards, after me writing four page articles with seven photos on the race for four magazines for 20 years have said I am not far enough up the food chain to warrant passes this year. So much for loyalty! I reckon they are reducing the number of photographers (who are free) and replacing with those who take video who pay a minimum of €5,000. I might buy a drone.

[lowdrag]

Last night we had an incredible storm that came in a few minutes with no warning and lasted for over an hour, accompanied by plenty of lightning. From calm to 70 mph in minutes, accompanied by a 3 hour power cut. I've had three hours of cleaning up to do today. C'mon Le Mans!

[lowdrag]

As I open the thread I hear thunder rumbling outside. The cat has spoken, but if you are seeking a second opinion you might like to consider here:-

http://www.meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france...

The weather station is on the ring road next to the Total petrol station less than a mile from the circuit.

[lowdrag]

No rain here five miles from Mulsanne, although it seems that we have storm warnings - again - and it seems to throw it down around 10 pm each evening. But these storms are so localised one never knows. The Wednesday of 2008 was a prime example where west of the Mulsanne was deluged for hours and east had drizzle. The entry tunnel to the circuit was over six feet deep, yet at home we were sitting outside.

[lowdrag]

One and a half hours of intense rain last night, and we are into half an hour just now. No TV because the satellite signal is lost. Places like Beauséjour will, if this continues, be a swamp. Let us hope that this is the end of it.

[lowdrag]

Not moaning in the slightest! Usually my lawn is dying of drought but this year I am cutting twice as much as usual. More storms forecast for today so more of the same I suppose. Off to buy some petrol for the tractor now. Toodle pip.

[lowdrag]

The deluge started again this morning about one and a half hours ago and shows no signs of abating. Clouds are almost down to roof level in places and the forecast is that it will continue all day with the possibility of hail later. Storms are forecast again tomorrow, Sunday and Monday and showers all through the week right through the race. Let us hope this will change, but whatever, be prepared, especially if you are on those camp sites known to have problems.

[lowdrag]

My cat asked to go out two minutes back. I opened the door, she stuck her nose out, did an about turn and went back to bed. That is a sensible cat based on the fact that it pisseth with a great pissing. Again. And it is forecast all day. Now that poses a problem; we are catching the ferry tonight to go to XK70. Which car do I take?

[lowdrag]

XK70 is an event being held at Shelsley Walsh hill climb. I am in Le Mans. I have to decide whether I take the "proper" car which is set up for the hill climb, my replica XKSS, or the E-type which has softer suspension. One has a decent hood and comfort, the other doesn't. I'll decide later on. If the rain eases, I'll get wet and take the correct car. If it continues to hammer down, it'll be the E-type. The UK weather is looking reasonable, so it is just the 120 miles from here to the ferry.

[lowdrag]

VladD said:

I think you're due for heavier rain later. When are you travelling back? Sat, Sun and Mon look pretty wet in Le Mans too. It should be drying up from next Tuesday.

It's not raining at the moment so we are heading out for Caen soon. England seems pretty dry from Friday through Sunday and coming home on Monday I don't give a damn really. If I get home soaked I am soaked but I am at home. Lst time I did this I baled four litres of water out of the car and the seats took a week to dry. Ah, the fun of classic motoring!

[lowdrag]

Well, back from a lovely stay in the UK for Shelsley Walsh hill climb weekend based around the 70th anniversary of the XK. I'll post about that in the classic section, but we were soooo lucky with the weather in the UK since an XKSS is rather wet in the rain. So, home this morning, a bit of mist, so no rain - until we got to 30 miles north of Le Mans where it started chucking it down. That as nearly two hours ago and it hasn't stopped since just like before we left last Wednesday. Rain is forecast all day with perhaps storms, but the rest of the week seems mostly dry with perhaps a shower or two. But based on what has already happened, I feel sorry for those on Beauséjour. It will be a nightmare.

ETA:- I take it all back. I've just done a tour of Beauséjour and as you go in there is a lake by the portakabins, but further in there are no cars sunk in the mud, people seem well enough and the grass has obviously been mown a few times. So, aprt from the far end on the right, which usually is bad, but I didn't go down to verify, things should be not perfect but livable.

Edited by lowdrag on Monday 11th June 12:32

[lowdrag]

Local forecast says rain until 5pm and then clearing up for a few days. But we have had a steady downpour for two hours this morning again. Not sure which parking that is but Maison Blanche, Bleu Nord and Houx will be fine. They are sandy soil.

[lowdrag]

VladD said:

A bit of Googling tells me that P6 and P6 bis are car parks for media types. The other side of the Bugatti circuit from Houx.

Edited by VladD on Tuesday 12th June 13:19

P6 is right next to the crossroads below the paddock. P6 (2) - which is bis in French - is further up towards the medical centre alongside the Bugatti circuit. I've been parking there for years until this year. Wonder what that is going to look like in a few days time? It rained again heavily this morning, but they say the worst is now behind us. Just the risk of a shower or two on Sunday, but that may well disappear.