can see these big on the way. you can see these big clouds blossoming to life on the satellite picture, just to the south—west of the uk, that cloud has been producing a lot of rain and lightning and that is heading our way. thundery downpours spreading into southern england, perhaps south wales by the end of tonight. a lot of mist and murk and low cloud for eastern and central scotland, the eastern and central scotland, the eastern side of england, on another warm night. 17 is low for liverpool. into saturday, where you are closest to this area of low pressure, that is where you have the potential for intense downpours and thunderstorms. it won't be raining all the time across the southern half of england or wales, across the southern half of england orwales, but across the southern half of england or wales, but when the downpours do arrive, they could give a lot of rain in a short space of time with reasoning —— frequent lightning and hale and gusty winds. this lyle cloud hugs the coast of scotland and north east england, but for north east england, western scotland and northern ireland, another sunny and warm day, highs of 26 degrees. on

saturday evening, some showers and storms were blown across southern areas. and they continue into sunday for parts of east anglia, the southeast, thunderstorms for the south—west and the midlands. further north and west, more dry weather, some good spells of sunshine and temperatures no longer in the 30s, highs of 23 or 24. in the south of the uk, some thunderstorms this weekend could well cause some disruption. a reminder of our top story: a year late and beset with challenges because of covid, but the olympic games are finally under way after today's opening ceremony in tokyo. that's all from the bbc news at six, so it's goodbye from me. and on bbc one, we nowjoin the bbc�*s news teams where you are. hello, and welcome to sportsday.

i'm katherine downes. let the games begin — the tokyo olympics are officially under way after scaled—back opening ceremony. helen glover begins her olympic bid in the early hours of tomorrow morning, uk time, after staging the "mother of all comebacks". and gb�*s footballers are in action tomorrow, too — they face the hosts japan, after making a winning start to their olympic campaign. we will keep improving, keep progressing, and hopefully we will reach the final and win gold in the end. also coming up in the programme... after the controversy over a south african official being appointed, the lions are ready to take on the springboks in the first test.

good evening. thank you so much forjoining us. it's been delayed by a global pandemic, and injeopardy right up until the 11th hour, but the beleagured toyko olympics are finally under way. fewer than 1,000 dignitaries watched in the olympic stadium, while only 22 british athletes represented the 375—strong squad. but yet the ceremony was still a celebration, albeit a poingnant one. joe lynskey was watching. as the flame was lit, the sights felt the same, but the sound was empty. this was naomi osaka, tennis' grand slam champion, marking the start of a games in the silence. at this olympics, the backdrop is inescapable. this opening ceremony was different. it was solemn. let us all take a moment to remember all those friends and loved ones who are no longer with us, in particular because of the covid—19 pandemic.

there was reflection, but the theme, too, was "moving forward". music. and a tribute to how athletes have had to adapt to 12 months of lockdown. at the front of it, japan's arisa tsubata, a boxer and a nurse who missed out on the games when her qualifier was cancelled. japan's flag, too, was brought on by key workers, waved on in the stands by around 1,000 dignitaries. the build—up has been fraught, but japan still wants to showjoy. and just like in 2012, there was tradition. these figures are daiku, traditional carpenters who sing as they chisel and saw. tokyo were last host for the games in 1964, when trees were planted. the wood's being used for these olympic rings. and so, more than 200 nations converged on a city in a state of emergency. all in masks, the british team for the night was trimmed down.

just 22 of them marched, led by moe sbihi and hannah mills, a rower and a sailor. this games is a year late. the ioc�*s called it "the light at the end of a tunnel". the pandemic forced us apart. this separation made this tunnel so dark. l but today, wherever in the world - you may be, we are united in sharing this moment together. over four hours, there was fun and, too, the sense of an olympics as a tv event. it's showtime. but tokyo's showpiece has come with the world still in a pandemic. for the next 16 days, they want sport to be the focus. joe lynskey, bbc news. still spectacular, wasn't it? strange to see those empty seats.

our correspondent natalie pirks is in tokyo for us. the world had been waiting a long time to see how tokyo would officially open these games. and it was no queen parachuting into the london olympic stadium, let's put it that way. but it was a very sombre, intimate affair, especially with no spectators in the stadium. and i think it was reflective of the times that we are living in, and i think it was fitting that they didn't have a massive celebration, especially when the japanese public, who are paying for this, can't be part of this party. during the quietest part, you could hear some spectators outside, some protesters should i say, chanting things like "stop the games". i'd say it was a noisy minority, but it does show the strength of feeling here in japan. a recent survey said that two thirds of the public didn't believe that japan could pull off a safe games, and it hasn't helped that covid infection rates are rising. they're at their highest level now since january, and we've had yet more positive cases today of people accredited for these games,

including three athletes. everything was muted, including the traditional parade of nations. more than 11,000 athletes are here at these games, but only around 5000 actually marched, including only 22 for team gb. so, thatjust gives you an idea of how muted the celebrations are. overall, though, this ceremony was free of bombast, i would say, that we've seen in the past. it was poignant. at times it was actually beautiful, and i think it was well pitched for where we're at, but over the next 18 days, we're going to some amazing sports, some true feats of athleticism and hopefully that will be the catalyst, really, for the japanese public to get behind these games. natalie pirks in the olympic stadium for us. watching it all and, of course, keeping a watchful eye over all the british performances over the next couple of weeks,

is the chair of uk sport and five—time olympic medallist, katherine grainger. lovely to have you with a. lovely to be here! what _ lovely to have you with a. lovely to be here! what did _ lovely to have you with a. lovely to be here! what did you _ lovely to have you with a. lovely to be here! what did you make - lovely to have you with a. lovely to be here! what did you make of- lovely to have you with a. lovely to be here! what did you make of thel be here! what did you make of the ceremony? — be here! what did you make of the ceremony? quite _ be here! what did you make of the ceremony? quite weird _ be here! what did you make of the ceremony? quite weird having - be here! what did you make of the ceremony? quite weird having an. ceremony? quite weird having an empty stadium, so few of the british team turning up. what did you think? before it started, we knew it had to be dramatically different, there would never be the crowds we were used to, there would not be the same 1005 used to, there would not be the same 100s of thousands of people in the stands. but i felt it was appropriate, it felt moving and emotional. it still felt like a celebration, it should be something that olympians and the japanese people are proud of. but it was always going to feel different today. always going to feel different toda . ~ ., always going to feel different toda . ~ . ., always going to feel different toda. . �* today. what about the sport? we've already seen — today. what about the sport? we've already seen the _ today. what about the sport? we've already seen the football _ today. what about the sport? we've already seen the football get - already seen the football get started and, from the early hours of tomorrow morning, we will see british athletes from around the world getting their olympic campaigns going. is there a worry that the sport might feel a bit flat too? no crowds, some competitors

will inevitably be taken out by covid, and it might not be the best in the world going up against the best in the world. do you think this olympics will feel a little bit different democrat less of an olympics? i different democrat less of an olympics?— different democrat less of an ol mics? ., �* ~' olympics? i don't think it will. once the sport _ olympics? i don't think it will. once the sport begins - - olympics? i don't think it will. once the sport begins - we'vej olympics? i don't think it will. - once the sport begins - we've had to once the sport begins — we've had to talk about the pandemic, it's affected us by a year, so it's a subject matter, the crowds are not there. but once the sport starts and as you readjust what you're watching as you readjust what you're watching as a spectator, you'll still see fantastic sport happening at the heart of this. i've spoken to many athletes recently — theyjust want to get out there and compete, they waited five years for this now and i think we will see the most incredible moment.- think we will see the most incredible moment. ~ . ., incredible moment. what about the continuin: incredible moment. what about the continuing threat _ incredible moment. what about the continuing threat of _ incredible moment. what about the continuing threat of covid? - incredible moment. what about the continuing threat of covid? have i incredible moment. what about the | continuing threat of covid? have you beenin continuing threat of covid? have you been in touch with the team out there? jesse knight, the hurdler, was pinged on herflight, amber hill, the shooter, has not been able to travel to compete. this looming

threat of covid, is that affecting the athletes out there? it’s threat of covid, is that affecting the athletes out there? it's been a constant in — the athletes out there? it's been a constant in their _ the athletes out there? it's been a constant in their lives _ the athletes out there? it's been a constant in their lives for - the athletes out there? it's been a constant in their lives for a - the athletes out there? it's been a constant in their lives for a long i constant in their lives for a long time now, it's about testing, mask wearing, hygiene — athletes around this time are always paranoid about what might go wrong for them. covid added an extra layer to that concern, but they are in brilliant hands. the saddest thing is you mentioned amber hill, we knew there would be a risk to some of our athletes not making it to the start line, and once you know the name and personality behind it, that brings it all to life at this will ruin some people's dreams. but the majority of people still get to do what they want to do. i majority of people still get to do what they want to do.— majority of people still get to do what they want to do. i must ask you about helen — what they want to do. i must ask you about helen glover _ what they want to do. i must ask you about helen glover - _ what they want to do. i must ask you about helen glover - going for - what they want to do. i must ask you about helen glover - going for a - about helen glover — going for a third olympic medal, we've seen her win the gold in london, in rio as well — there she is winning the gold in rio — what about her chances tomorrow in the heat after coming back after having three children?

what do you think we can expect from helen? because in a way, she doesn't know what to expect either, does she? w know what to expect either, does she? . , know what to expect either, does she? ., , ., . , know what to expect either, does she? ., . , she? no, it is an incredible story and she's— she? no, it is an incredible story and she's already _ she? no, it is an incredible story and she's already - _ she? no, it is an incredible story and she's already - lots - she? no, it is an incredible story and she's already - lots of- she? no, it is an incredible story| and she's already - lots of people and she's already — lots of people have said she's already made history, we've never had a mother coming to the rowing team and compete in the olympics before. she's already done what no one else is done byjust starting tomorrow, but we know helen well and she will want more than that. she's in great company with polly swan, and i think they have a lot of potential there in front of them. in they have a lot of potential there in front of them.— they have a lot of potential there in front of them. in the early hours in front of them. in the early hours in the morning. — in front of them. in the early hours in the morning, 1:30am, _ in front of them. in the early hours in the morning, 1:30am, it's - in front of them. in the early hours in the morning, 1:30am, it's the i in the morning, 1:30am, it's the thing people will be trying to desperately check. you won't miss a moment on the bbc. we had vicki thornley going into the keats, as well, she came top in the heats up and is she a real metal contender? is she when we should be keeping an eye on? is she when we should be keeping an e e on? , ., , , is she when we should be keeping an eeon? , ., _, eye on? this has been a five-year cam aiun eye on? this has been a five-year campaign for _ eye on? this has been a five-year campaign for vicki _ eye on? this has been a five-year campaign for vicki in _ eye on? this has been a five-year campaign for vicki in the - eye on? this has been a five-year campaign for vicki in the singles, | campaign for vicki in the singles, she's not done so internationally, and she wants to make history by

getting on the podium for the first time in a britain —— for great britain. we don't really know how our own athletes are doing and how the rest of the world is doing, so even the early rounds, the keats and every event has a thrill to it because it's the first time we will see our athletes against the rest of the world and see how we are faring. so far, we are faring well. it’s the world and see how we are faring. so far, we are faring well.— so far, we are faring well. it's not even day one _ so far, we are faring well. it's not even day one yet _ so far, we are faring well. it's not even day one yet properly, - so far, we are faring well. it's not even day one yet properly, and i even day one yet properly, and you are part of the bbc�*s commentary for rowing? i’ii are part of the bbc's commentary for rowin: ? �* , ., rowing? i'll be there through the niuht not rowing? i'll be there through the night not just — rowing? i'll be there through the night notjust supporting - rowing? i'll be there through the night notjust supporting our- rowing? i'll be there through the i night notjust supporting our teams but talking about them. i'm ready for no sleep at all. it’s but talking about them. i'm ready for no sleep at all.— for no sleep at all. it's basically switchin: for no sleep at all. it's basically switching to — for no sleep at all. it's basically switching to japanese _ for no sleep at all. it's basically switching to japanese hours i for no sleep at all. it's basically i switching to japanese hours after this. thank you so much forjoining us and we'll be keeping up—to—date with you and chatting throughout the games on sportsday. we've been looking this week at some of team gb�*s medal hopes — and the women's football team will certainly be encouraged by their 2—0 win over chile. tomorrow, they take on the hosts, japan — and a win would see them through to the knockout stage. there's definitely a lot of

confidence, the team environment and culture is second to none, like, everyone here is so talented and bring so much to the team. it's amazing to think how far we can go. obviously we will keep improving, keep progressing, and hopefully we will reach the final and win the gold in the end. but it'll help us, and there was a lot of good play in the game yesterday, we are hoping to build on that and make it even better. ., build on that and make it even better. . ., , ., better. overall it was a good performance _ better. overall it was a good performance for _ better. overall it was a good performance for us. - better. overall it was a good performance for us. i - better. overall it was a good performance for us. i think l better. overall it was a good i performance for us. i think there is little _ performance for us. i think there is little things — performance for us. i think there is little things we can tidy up on, of course, _ little things we can tidy up on, of course, what you take away from all games _ course, what you take away from all games but — course, what you take away from all games. but generally it's a positive result— games. but generally it's a positive result and — games. but generally it's a positive result and we want our next game against _ result and we want our next game against japan in full confidence. but we — against japan in full confidence. but we are aware we are coming up against— but we are aware we are coming up againsta— but we are aware we are coming up against a really good side. tiers; against a really good side. very tactical players. _ against a really good side. very tactical players, a _ against a really good side. very tactical players, a very - against a really good side. very tactical players, a very strong opponent. _ tactical players, a very strong opponent. and _ tactical players, a very strong opponent. and i_ tactical players, a very strong opponent, and i expect - tactical players, a very strong opponent, and i expect them| tactical players, a very strong . opponent, and i expect them to tactical players, a very strong - opponent, and i expect them to come out a _ opponent, and i expect them to come out a lot— opponent, and i expect them to come out a lot stronger _ opponent, and i expect them to come out a lot stronger than _ opponent, and i expect them to come out a lot stronger than in _ opponent, and i expect them to come out a lot stronger than in previous- out a lot stronger than in previous games— out a lot stronger than in previous games because _ out a lot stronger than in previous games because ultimately- out a lot stronger than in previous games because ultimately they. out a lot stronger than in previousl games because ultimately they are out a lot stronger than in previous- games because ultimately they are at a home _ games because ultimately they are at a home olympics _

games because ultimately they are at a home olympics games, _ games because ultimately they are at a home olympics games, and - games because ultimately they are at l a home olympics games, and obviously they want— a home olympics games, and obviously they want to _ a home olympics games, and obviously they want to progress. _ a home olympics games, and obviously they want to progress. they _ a home olympics games, and obviously they want to progress. they played i they want to progress. they played really _ they want to progress. they played really well — they want to progress. they played really well in — they want to progress. they played really well in spells, _ they want to progress. they played really well in spells, so _ they want to progress. they played really well in spells, so we - they want to progress. they played really well in spells, so we have i they want to progress. they played really well in spells, so we have to| really well in spells, so we have to obviously — really well in spells, so we have to obviously make _ really well in spells, so we have to obviously make sure _ really well in spells, so we have to obviously make sure we _ really well in spells, so we have to obviously make sure we improve . really well in spells, so we have to| obviously make sure we improve on our performance _ obviously make sure we improve on our performance in _ obviously make sure we improve on our performance in chile _ obviously make sure we improve on our performance in chile and - obviously make sure we improve on our performance in chile and make i our performance in chile and make sure we _ our performance in chile and make sure we can — our performance in chile and make sure we can break— our performance in chile and make sure we can break down _ our performance in chile and make sure we can break down and - our performance in chile and make i sure we can break down and passed on another— sure we can break down and passed on another and _ sure we can break down and passed on another and when _ sure we can break down and passed on another and when the _ sure we can break down and passed on another and when the game. _ sure we can break down and passed on another and when the game.— another and when the game. that's at 11:30 - m another and when the game. that's at 11:30pm tomorrow. _ let's have a look at some of today's other football stories now. manchester united have confirmed the signing of england wingerjadon sancho, who moves from borussia dortmund for £73 million — that's the biggest transfer fee paid in europe this summer. it's a five—year deal, he said it was a "dream come true" and he couldn't wait to perform in the premier league. son heung min has signed a new four—year contract at tottenham. he's scored 107 goals in 280 appearances for the club. spurs finished seventh in the league last season, with nuno espirito santo taking over as manager last month. and chelsea women have confirmed the signing of manchester united forward lauren james.

she's agreed a four—year deal with the reigning women's super league champions. james was on chelsea's books until she was 14, and she's the younger sister of england and chelsea right—back reece james. the former sports minister tracey crouch says she fears for the future of football, if an independent regulator isn't appointed. crouch is now chair of the government's fan—led review, and she's set out a wide range of preliminary recommendations which would revolutionise the governance of the game in england and give supporters a greater say. i have confidence that the independent regulator will end up in place. but if it doesn't, then i do fearfor the place. but if it doesn't, then i do fear for the future of football. i genuinely think that there could be a real crisis in english football because of the risk that some owners, not all, but some owners take which could significantly damage the club and disappear. so,