The Met Office weather forecast is predicting a South-Westerly wind at a speed of 15 miles per hour for London this afternoon – the day of the 152nd Boat Race, which is sponsored by Xchanging.

In these conditions, rough water can be expected around the long stretch of water between Chiswick Eyot and Barnes Bridge.

Only one race in recent years has been conducted in strong South-Westerly winds, as are predicted today. That was in 2000 when Oxford won by three lengths.

Although seven races have been conducted in these conditions since the very first Boat Race in 1829, only two races in the last 50 years - in 2000 and 1986 - have taken place in strong South-Westerly conditions.

In 1986 Cambridge fought through the strong winds to win by seven lengths.

In 2002, the race was conducted in a South-Westerly wind which fell just short of the strong classification.

Despite reasonable sunshine late morning today, the Met Office is also predicting rain and thunderstorms for the race, even indicating the possibility of a hailstorm or two.

Spectators and supporters are expected to be out in force watching the race, whatever the weather, for what is expected to be a very close and exciting race.