This Week's NFL Weather Report: Latest Updates & Forecasts

Impact of Adverse Weather Conditions on NFL Games

When NFL players take the field in stadiums around the league, they have to deal with weather-related factors and make key adjustments. Throughout the regular football season, it is important to keep an eye on the weather report if you plan to engage in any online sports betting, as weather dynamics can have a major impact on game outcomes.

Betting on Windy NFL Games

Windy conditions pose challenges for quarterbacks and give an advantage to the defense under windy conditions. The table below highlights the typical impact that wind speed can have on game outcomes:

Wind Velocity	Impact on Quarterbacks	Impact on Defensive Backs
0-5 mph	No significant impact.	No significant impact.
6-10 mph	Completion percentage decreases by 1%.	Interception rate increases by 1%.
11-15 mph	Completion percentage decreases by 3%.	Interception rate increases by 2%; Pass deflection rate increases by 2%.
16-20 mph	Completion percentage decreases by 5%.	Interception rate increases by 4%; Pass deflection rate increases by 4%.
20+ mph	Completion percentage decreases by 10%.	Interception rate increases by 8%; Pass deflection rate increases by 8%.

Betting on Rainy NFL Games

A high chance of rain could be bad news for a team’s chance of success. A wet game can spoil many otherwise solid total and point spread projections. You can expect rainy games to impact game scores in the following ways:

Rain intensity	Impact on NFL Totals	Impact on NFL Point Spreads
Light rain	Total points scored decreases by 2.	Point spread decreases by 0.5 points.
Moderate rain	Total points scored decreases by 4.	Point spread decreases by 1 point.
Heavy rain	Total points scored decreases by 6.	Point spread decreases by 1.5 points.

Betting on Snowy NFL Games

Snow can also have a significant impact on the total points scored in NFL games. Cold games can lower the success rate of a team, especially if the football players are used to playing in a warmer climate. Additionally, wind chill values need to be taken into consideration, as they can make the temperature feel even lower. You can see how a chance of snow can have a huge impact on football games below:

Snow intensity	Impact on NFL Totals	Impact on NFL Point Spreads
Light snow	Total points scored decreases by 2.	Point spread decreases by 0.5 points.
Moderate snow	Total points scored decreases by 6.	Point spread decreases by 1.5 points.
Heavy snow	Total points scored decreases by 10.	Point spread decreases by 2.5 points.

How Cold Temperatures Affect NFL Field Goals

Field goals are a crucial part of NFL games. This table looks at teams with outdoor stadiums and the lowest temperatures during the winter and their impact on field goal completions:

Team	Stadium	Lowest winter temperature	Impact on Field Goal %
Buffalo Bills	Highmark Stadium	-10°F (average)	Decrease in FG% due to wind and cold temperatures.
Chicago Bears	Soldier Field	-20°F (record low)	Decrease in FG% due to wind and extreme cold temperatures.
Cincinnati Bengals	Paul Brown Stadium	-4°F (average)	Minimal impact on FG%.
Cleveland Browns	FirstEnergy Stadium	5°F (average)	Decrease in FG% due to wind and cold temperatures.
Denver Broncos	Empower Field at Mile High	-1°F (average)	Increase in FG% due to thin air.
Green Bay Packers	Lambeau Field	-11°F (record low)	Decrease in FG% due to wind and extreme cold temperatures.
Kansas City Chiefs	Arrowhead Stadium	0°F (average)	Minimal impact on FG%.
Nashville Titans	Nissan Stadium	23°F (record low)	Minimal impact on FG%.
New England Patriots	Gillette Stadium	3°F (record low)	Decrease in FG% due to wind and cold temperatures.
New York Giants	MetLife Stadium	20°F (average)	Decrease in FG% due to wind and cold temperatures.
New York Jets	MetLife Stadium	20°F (average)	Decrease in FG% due to wind and cold temperatures.
Philadelphia Eagles	Lincoln Financial Field	22°F (average)	Decrease in FG% due to wind and cold temperatures.
Pittsburgh Steelers	Heinz Field	10°F (average)	Decrease in FG% due to wind and cold temperatures.
San Francisco 49ers	Levi’s Stadium	42°F (average)	Decrease in FG% due to wind and wet conditions.
Seattle Seahawks	Lumen Field	36°F (average)	Decrease in FG% due to wind and wet conditions.
Washington Football Team	FedExField	25°F (average)	Decrease in FG% due to wind and cold temperatures.

NFL Weather Forecast Release Timing

The NFL weather report usually comes out several days before the scheduled game. In most cases, the official forecast for the game is released by the National Weather Service (NWS) at least 3-5 days in advance. However, some teams or media outlets may release their own forecasts or predictions even earlier than that.

It’s important to note that weather forecasts can change rapidly, especially in the days leading up to a game. As a result, it’s common for weather updates to be provided in the hours leading up to the game or even during the entire game itself. These occurrences can be potential game-changers.

Ultimately, the timing of the forecast release can vary depending on the specific game and the location of the stadium, but most forecasts are typically available several days in advance to allow teams and fans to prepare for potential weather impacts.

How Football Players Prepare for Inclement Weather

NFL players prepare for bad weather by making adjustments to their equipment, their physical preparation and their game strategy. Here are some ways NFL players prepare to play in inclement weather at game time:

• Footwear: Players may switch to longer or shorter cleats depending on the playing surface and weather conditions. For example, longer cleats may provide better traction on wet or slippery turf, while shorter cleats may be more effective on dry grass.
• Clothing: Players may wear extra layers of clothing or gear to stay warm and dry in cold or wet weather. Some players also wear gloves or hand warmers to keep their hands warm and dry.
• Ball Handling: Players may practice ball-handling drills in wet or cold weather conditions to prepare for the challenges of holding onto the ball in slippery conditions during outdoor games.
• Game Strategy: Coaches may adjust their game plans to account for the impact of inclement weather on the game. For example, they may focus on running the ball more frequently to reduce the risk of turnovers or they may call more short passes instead of long throws.

Overall, NFL players and teams prepare for inclement weather through a combination of physical adjustments, strategic planning and mental preparation to help them perform their best regardless of the conditions on the field.

NFL Weather Delays & Cancellations

Various types of weather conditions have caused significant delays or even cancellations of NFL games over the years. Here are some examples of weather factors that can cause delays or game cancellations:

• Snowstorms: Heavy snowfall can make it difficult for players to move the ball and for football fans to safely travel to and from the game. In 2013, a snowstorm forced the Philadelphia Eagles to reschedule their game against the Detroit Lions to the following day.
• Lightning: Lightning can pose a serious safety risk to players and fans. In 2019, a lightning storm caused the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Tennessee Titans to be delayed for over an hour.
• Hurricanes: Hurricanes can cause significant damage to stadiums and make it impossible for teams to play their scheduled games thanks to their high MPH winds. In 2017, Hurricane Irma, with maximum sustained wind gusts of 185 miles per hour, forced the Miami Dolphins to reschedule their home opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a later date.
• Severe Cold: Extreme cold can be dangerous for players and fans, especially if they are not properly dressed or prepared. In 2016, a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears was played in extreme weather conditions, with temperatures of -13 degrees Fahrenheit. These cold conditions caused the game to be nicknamed the “Ice Bowl 2.0.” Of course, if there is any chance of precipitation, the snow and other weather effects can also increase the risk of player injury.

Understanding how different inclement weather conditions affect NFL games is crucial for sports bettors looking to make informed decisions.

What happens if you bet on a game and it gets postponed?

Most online sportsbooks will treat a canceled football game as a “no action” bet, meaning that the wager will be refunded to you and the bet will be voided. However, NFL games are official after 55 minutes of play.

If there is a weather delay and a game is rescheduled for a later date, some sportsbooks may keep the original bet in place and simply carry it over to the new date. It’s important to check your sportsbook’s rules and regulations to see how they handle canceled regular season games and to understand the potential outcomes of your bet.

Sports Betting Tips for Inclement Weather Games

Betting on NFL games played in inclement weather requires special consideration. Weather conditions play a crucial role in football games and can drastically alter the performance of players and the outcome of the game, impacting your wagers.

Here are key football betting tips to help you navigate betting on games affected by adverse weather conditions:

• Monitor Weather Reports: Stay updated with the latest weather forecasts leading up to the game. Pay attention to changes that could affect the game day weather, such as rain, snow, wind and extreme temperatures. Look for indoor games or outdoor games that are being played in more favorable conditions, if possible.
• Line Shopping: Compare betting lines across multiple online sportsbooks to find the best betting odds and maximize your potential payout, especially when inclement weather conditions are expected to impact the game.

• Windy Conditions: Strong winds can affect the passing game and field goal attempts. Bet on lower passing yards and fewer successful field goals in high wind conditions.
• Rainy Conditions: Rain can lead to a slippery field, increasing the likelihood of fumbles and favoring teams with a strong running game. Consider betting on lower total points scored and fewer successful passing plays, as low-scoring games are common.
• Snowy Conditions: Snow impacts visibility and traction, often resulting in lower scoring games. Bet on fewer total points and give an edge to teams accustomed to playing in snowy weather.
• Cold Temperatures: Extremely cold weather can reduce the effectiveness of kickers and passing offenses. Bet on lower field goal percentages and teams’ game plans being shifted to have a stronger reliance on the running game.

Understanding how inclement weather affects gameplay is crucial for making informed betting decisions. By keeping these tips in mind, you can better anticipate game outcomes and adjust your betting activities accordingly. Always check the weather forecast before placing any bets on your favorite teams and players to stay ahead of any changes that could impact the game.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of weather on NFL games is essential for making well-informed betting decisions. Different weather elements can significantly affect player performance, game strategy and the overall outcome of the actual game itself.

By staying updated with the latest weather news and understanding how different weather conditions influence the game, bettors can enhance their betting strategies. Whether it’s rain, winter storms, high MPH winds or extreme temperatures, being aware of these factors can help you place smarter bets and improve your chances of success.

Remember, always check your preferred online sportsbook’s policies regarding weather-related delays and cancellations to ensure you are prepared for any scenario.

NFL Weather Report: Frequently Asked Questions

How does the weather affect football?

Weather significantly affects football by influencing player performance and game strategies. Factors such as wind and rain or snow games can disrupt the passing game and kicking accuracy, as well as player footing, requiring teams to adapt their gameplay to the prevailing weather conditions for optimal performance.

Do NFL players get cold?

NFL players can get cold, especially during games played in cold weather or in outdoor stadiums with cold wind gusts. Despite wearing appropriate gear, physical exertion and exposure to the elements can still lead to discomfort and cold-related challenges for the players.

Does snow favor offense or defense?

Snow generally favors the offense in the NFL. It can disrupt the defense’s footing, making it difficult for them to keep up, thus slowing down the game and giving the quarterback more time to make decisions. This can provide an advantage to the offensive team.

Has an NFL game ever been postponed due to weather?

An NFL game has been postponed due to weather. The league decided to postpone a playoff game between the Steelers and Bills in Buffalo due to public safety concerns caused by severe weather conditions.

How much of an NFL game has to be played to be official?

An NFL game is official once the first half is completed. If a game is stopped due to unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather, after the first half has been played, then the result at that point will be official.