A TOP level meeting is underway that will decide whether the Red Arrows take off for their performance over Southampton this evening.

The team were due to perform as part of the P&Os Grand Event as all seven ships in the company’s cruise fleet line up along the city’s historic waterfront this morning, but the fly past was cancelled due to the bad weather.

The rain has persisted throughout the day leaving the Red Arrows second fly-by in doubt.

The team are due to perform this evening when the Red Arrows will take part in a 25 minute display.

The decision on whether the team will eventually take to the skies is being made and a decision is expected by 5pm.

The display team is currently waiting in Bournemouth to see whether they get the final go ahead after they were grounded for their first display that was due to take place at 11.45am.

If the aerobatic display does go ahead it will be the first performance ever flown over Southampton.

The cancellation this morning comes just a month after a similar Red Arrows flypast was also scrapped over the city when horrendous weather hit Cunards Diamond Jubilee celebrations.