While everyone is keeping a close eye on the weather, Sunderland International Airshow is all set for take off this Friday with the launch of a three-day extravaganza of aerial displays.
A yellow weather warning of heavy rain is in place over the North East - and much of the country - this coming weekend but it seems that cloudy conditions - rather than rain - can be more of a problem for pilots.
Ahead of the 2pm start of the Friday programme, display Director Dave Walton said that while rain can be handled, it’s the low cloud that can be to blame for cancellations.
But the Met Office is predicting visibility to be good - even very good this Friday night - and also on Sunday, although it's downgraded to medium for Saturday.
So spectators will be keeping all fingers crossed for the annual event which is set to showcase some spectacular aeroplanes and acrobatic displays.
Among those eagerly-awaited is the appearance of the Fireflies Aerobatic Display Team who are renowned for their twilight displays complete with fireworks.
They are making a return to the airshow and will be in each action on each day, with an evening treat in store this Friday to be followed by the team's "day display" on Friday and Saturday.
Their pyrotechnic showcase can be seen to best advantage from 9pm-9.15pm this Friday evening and then the Fireflies will be again taking to the skies in Sunderland during the Saturday and the Sunday afternoon action which will be running - weather permitting - from noon until 2.30pm on both days.
