After the climax of the Six Nations rugby and the Oxbridge Boat Race last weekend, there's more big sporting action to come through the next few days and coming weekend.

Will the rain be falling faster than the wickets in the West Indies? Are the temperatures going to take a tumble, like some of the jockey's at Aintree? Let's find out.

CRICKET
We'll start across the Atlantic in Barbados, where the England cricket team take on the West Indies in the third match of the series. The match begins today and carries on to Monday.

Normally we would be hoping for some big interruptions to help prevent an embarrassing defeat. However, after two well-earned victories, England only requires a draw to secure their first series win in the West Indies since 1968, and will no doubt be hoping for some fine conditions to see the test out.

Interruptions to play should be few and far between thankfully. There is a risk of isolated showers through the weekend, but for the most part it should be dry, sunny, and hot as the temperature climbs into the low 30s Celsius.

MOTORSPORT
Sunshine will also be in pole position in Bahrain, for the next weekend of Formula 1 racing. Conditions will also be quite hot and sweaty in the pits, as temperatures accelerate into the low 30's.

GOLF
The latest stop on the European Golf Tour, is the Algarve Open of Portugal. The tournament begins today and continues through to Sunday. After teeing off to some showery conditions, the weather will improve. Some good sunny spells are forecast and the winds should ease a touch.

HORSE RACING
Finally we head back to the UK, where one of the biggest and most talked about horse racing events of the year takes place. It is, of course, Grand National weekend. Races begin today at the Aintree course, near St Helens, with the finale on Saturday afternoon. The annual Weather Centre sweepstake has already begun. The odds of me winning the pot are very slim, but what are the odds of some wet weather during the festival...

...much better, it has to be said! After some showers this morning, one or two further heavy downpours are likely this afternoon as well as some brighter spells. The going will soften further overnight as heavy rain tracks its way north-eastwards across the UK. Friday will be predominantly dry, bright and mild, but again there is a risk of a few heavy showers during the afternoon.

For Saturday and the main race itself, it looks like it will be a day of sunshine and blustery showers, so hold on to your hat, and may your luck be in!

Related Links :
BBC Weather - Weather for sports
BBC Weather Feature - Horse Racing and the Weather

Weather News from the last five days:
31/03/2004
30/03/2004
29/03/2004
28/03/2004
27/03/2004

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