Melbourne, - Long-range forecasters are predicting a sunny fortnight for the Australian Open when the first Grand Slam of the season starts on January 19.

The official weatherman of the event advises sunscreen and a hat for punters, who can expect to find fair weather for much of the time at Melbourne Park.

In a technological upgrade, the tournament will have its own weather office and forecasters on site, a practice already in place at Roland Garros, which rain is always a factor influencing play.

"Our crystal ball is a little more advanced these days so my educated prediction is that January will bring mostly sunny days for the fortnight of the Australian Open," said the Open's weather guru Bob Leighton.

Predictions promise minimal rain interruptions over the fortnight. But weathermen hedged their bets by adding the possibility of some occasional thunderstorms.

Statistics show that since 1988, only 2003 was totally rain-free. And every year save 1989 managed at least one day of 35C. "Eight of the last 15 Australian Opens recorded at least one day over 40 degrees," added Leighton. (dpa)