Monday night’s World Cup showdown between Norway and Senegal at MetLife Stadium could be dampened and possibly delayed by heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service is calling for a 90% chance of precipitation when those competitive Group I teams meet at 8 p.m.
Showers are on the forecast along with the possibility of a thunderstorm. Meteorologists report that “Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall” as temperatures approach a low of 66 degrees. Up to 3 quarters of an inch of rain could fall Monday evening alone. Afternoon rainfall threatens to make for a messy commute to the match.
Accuweather warns that lightning could delay the start of Monday’s contest in East Rutherford. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends a 30-minute stoppage when lightning is detected within 8 miles of an active stadium.
“As New Yorkers head home from work and fans make their way to NYNJ Stadium, we’re expecting a period of heavy rain and thunderstorms across the city. I’m urging everyone to plan ahead and give themselves extra time to travel safely,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement posted online Monday. “If you can, take public transit, leave early, and bring a raincoat or umbrella. Most importantly, no destination is worth risking your safety. If conditions become severe, stay indoors and wait until it’s safe to travel.”
The game between Norway and Senegal will be the third of eight matches played in New Jersey. The Garden State is one on 11 U.S. cities where competitions are taking place.
Fans hoping to see the top ranked French team take on Iraq in Philadelphia late Monday afternoon might also find themselves dealing with rain delays.
There haven’t been any serious weather issues since the tournament got underway on June 11. FIFA maintains the right to reschedule matches that may present safety challenges. That governing body doesn’t have an official policy pertaining to matters of climate.
Teams USA is in Los Angeles awaiting its Thursday night game against Turkey.
The World Cup championship match takes place July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
With News Wire Services
