Hundred to keep floodlights on for Wednesday matches during solar eclipse

Floodlights will be kept on throughout all four Hundred matches on Wednesday as a solar eclipse is forecast to darken skies across the UK, Sky Sports reported. The eclipse is expected to occur between 6.17pm and 8.06pm BST, reaching its peak shortly after 7pm.

Up to 90 per cent of the sun will be obscured by the moon during the eclipse, which will be the first partial solar eclipse visible in the UK for 27 years. The phenomenon will be visible across Europe, with some parts of the continent experiencing a total eclipse as the sun, moon and Earth align; daylight is expected to fade noticeably, temperatures could drop and wind conditions may change direction before the sun gradually reappears.

All four Hundred matches are scheduled to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Welsh Fire women will face London Spirit women at 11.30am BST in Cardiff, followed by the men's fixture at 3pm BST; at Edgbaston Birmingham Phoenix women will host MI London from 3pm BST, with the men's teams due to play at 6.30pm BST.

Organisers said additional messaging will be issued to fans attending the games. Experts have warned spectators not to look directly at the sun without proper protection and advised that only specially designed solar eclipse glasses that meet certified safety standards should be used to view the eclipse.

The eclipse is also expected to affect UK horse racing. Ffos Las will bring forward its twilight meeting so all six races take place in daylight, while Kempton — which stages racing on Wednesday — will use its floodlights; the eclipse at Kempton is expected between 7.02pm and 7.16pm BST, and Kempton has races scheduled for 7pm and 7.30pm BST.

Kempton clerk of the course Barney Clifford said the floodlights would be switched on early to ensure the meeting is not affected by the changing light conditions. "The last one was nearly 30 years ago so I wasn't quite at Kempton then. I remember it but there were no floodlights in those days!" he said. "I'm going to put the floodlights on early doors. I know they have predicted a time for it but you don't quite know how much of the sun is going to be covered and for what race so we'll have the lights on plenty early enough."

The decision to keep the floodlights on throughout the Hundred matches is designed to ensure the games can continue without disruption despite the temporary reduction in natural light caused by the eclipse.