World Cup forecast: Timing pushes back thunderstorm threat for Friday’s Foxborough match
We have a marquee matchup at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on Friday afternoon between France and Norway — and you’re going to want to dress accordingly just in case the region sees scattered showers and an isolated thunderstorm, especially during the second half of the afternoon showdown. Otherwise, you can expect mostly cloudy skies.
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With kickoff set for 3 p.m., it will feel like true summer weather. Temperatures will likely be hovering around the upper 70s, so not too hot, but the air will be sticky with dew points driving well into the 60s.
A warm front will pass through the region well before the match begins, prompting a few scattered light showers in the vicinity while fans are tailgating. These showers will be scattered, so there is the chance that Boston Stadium remains dry.
The most concerning element will be how quickly the cold front arrives afterwards. Given the moisture-rich environment, I expect a line of thunderstorms to develop during the afternoon and march towards Foxborough from the west. The timing, however, appears to be favorable for soccer fans. It looks like the greatest risk for strong thunderstorms will hold off until after the game wraps up, although fans leaving the stadium could face downpours and strong winds.
But if the storms race to the stadium before the match ends, the lightning rule will be in effect. If lightning is detected within 8 miles of the stadium, the game will be delayed. FIFA enforces a mandatory 30-minute weather delay and evacuation for matches if lightning strikes within that 8-mile radius of the stadium.
Make sure to head for cover in the concourses when instructed and pay attention to any stadium scoreboard alerts and other messages.
The morning scattered showers don’t have a lightning risk. But some of these afternoon and evening thunderstorms may turn severe, with strong downpours and wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph. But again, it really does look like the potent storms will hold off until just after the match concludes.
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That muggy feeling
Dew points will be closer to 70 degrees than 60 across Southeastern Mass., making the air feel pretty sticky regardless of whether a shower or thunderstorm passes through.
If you end up needing a poncho, you may have trouble removing it with the muggy air and your warm body temperature. It might be worth embracing the rain, should storms pass over Foxborough.
Winds should be held below 10 mph before any storms arrive, which shouldn’t impact the match very much.
Overall, I think we’ll end up with a mostly dry match under a mix of clouds with maybe some streaks of sunshine. The atmosphere will grow increasingly unstable as the afternoon progresses, but the odds still favor the stormy weather arriving after the final whistle.
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