U.S. Open Rain Delays Continue Through Thursday, Then Much Better Weather
Tennis fans heading out to the U.S. Open in New York City will want to be prepared. Forecasters are warning that the weather could put a damper on the festivities, continuing the rocky start to the premier tennis event.
U.S. Open Delays Could Persist Through Thursday
It has been a rough start to this year's U.S. Open, pitting the world's best tennis players against each other in Flushing, New York. Some of the biggest matches of the event are played at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, a court that has a retractable roof that can be used during times of inclement conditions. However, many of the courts at Flushing Meadows are out in the elements.
The fourth and final grand slam tournament of the year kicked off on Sunday just as storms fired up across the New York City metro area. Organizers were forced to suspend five of the matches held on outdoor courts due to the rain, pushing them to Monday. After a dry start to the day, another round of storms moved through the Big Apple on Monday evening, forcing more delays on the outdoor courts.
The storms on Monday lingered into Tuesday morning, resulting in delays of nearly four hours for the day's early matches. Unfortunately, more stormy and soggy weather could hamper the scheduled matches on Wednesday and Thursday. Although temperatures will max out in the mid 70s on Wednesday, it will be a toasty one on Thursday with highs in the mid 80s.
Forecasters are warning that some of the upcoming storm cells could usher in times of heavy rain and high winds. There is also the possibility of hail in some of the most potent bands of weather. Fans should bring rain gear to any of the matches through Thursday.
Better Conditions Ahead for the Weekend
While the next two days might be tough, the weekend forecast is offering hope that the weather will clear up. A mass of cooler and drier air will dive down from Canada, bringing an end to the persistent rain.
Friday's forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies and a high in the mid 80s. The mercury will slide even further for the weekend, topping out in the upper 70s on Saturday and Sunday. Overnight lows will dip into the 60s, potentially necessitating the use of a light jacket or hoodie for the late matches. These readings are more in line with what you expect to see in this part of the Northeast on the first weekend of September.
In addition to the cooler temperatures, humidity levels will also be lower. This is a welcome forecast for both the spectators and the players. In response to concerns about extreme heat in recent years, the Association for Tennis Professionals (ATP) implemented a new rule designed to protect players when the temperatures soar. It does not appear as if this rule will be leaned on this weekend, as near-ideal weather will be the norm.
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