Need opinions on gameday weather scenarios
So, I've only been to one game at Michigan Stadium. I just moved up here three years ago from Tallahassee, Florida. My sister moved from Florida to the Illinois/Iowa state line a year ago. We're both lifelong, diehard Blue, as we were born in northern Michigan. She's never been to Ann Arbor.
I have two tickets to the game, and really want her to see her first game at the Big House. Looking at tomorrow's weather report, it's calling for scattered thunderstorms all afternoon. I don't mind getting wet, but I don't want her to drive six hours to experience a cancelled game due to lightning. Any suggestions or advice is appreciated.
She's dying to come!
October 5th, 2018 at 8:53 PM ^
Nguyen it reigns it pores.
October 5th, 2018 at 8:56 PM ^
I knew I'd get some immediate assistance. The answer has been revealed!
October 5th, 2018 at 8:55 PM ^
Lightning is bad because the of the mandatory wait times.
If you have the ability to do another game this year, I'd check in the morning to see if the prediction isn't any better, and if not, reschedule.
Bit of a bummer, but bad weather games can really suck, not even taking travel into account.
October 5th, 2018 at 8:58 PM ^
She is in the middle of the storm system that is coming tomorrow. Lightning strikes all over and rain coming sideways. Disappointing
October 6th, 2018 at 1:09 AM ^
We can definitely see the disappointment in your face. Bummer.
October 5th, 2018 at 9:03 PM ^
I’m not the only one hitting F5 F5 F5 for MGoWeather!!!
October 5th, 2018 at 9:17 PM ^
There you go! its up!
October 5th, 2018 at 9:03 PM ^
The real truth? Absolutely nothing you can do but hope. Bad weather shit happens. Just go ready to have a blast, and if things go sour, it's not the end of the world (unless, of course, you get struck by lightning).
October 5th, 2018 at 10:20 PM ^
Hope.........and bring a poncho just in case.
October 5th, 2018 at 9:04 PM ^
If you are both from Northern Michigan, you should be aware of the fickle nature of weather here. I say go for it.
Nothing is gained by timidity. Those courageous souls who are willing to sacrifice all for their passions, are the ones that drink deep from the water of life.
October 5th, 2018 at 9:07 PM ^
Harbaugh, is that you? Any thoughts on chickens?
October 5th, 2018 at 9:32 PM ^
Chickens do not drink the water of life at all...
October 5th, 2018 at 9:11 PM ^
We moved to Florida when I was three and she was one. More lightning strikes there than any other state. We play in hurricanes down there, but we don't play in lightning.
October 5th, 2018 at 9:11 PM ^
We moved to Florida when I was three and she was one. More lightning strikes there than any other state. We play in hurricanes down there, but we don't play in lightning.
October 5th, 2018 at 9:11 PM ^
We moved to Florida when I was three and she was one. More lightning strikes there than any other state. We play in hurricanes down there, but we don't play in lightning.
October 5th, 2018 at 10:19 PM ^
Actually had a coworker down here that was struck by lightning 3X times believe it or not. He was an odd guy, had a screw loose, he eventually moved up to Pennsylvania.
October 5th, 2018 at 10:49 PM ^
This is in the running for the absolutely funniest comment tonight!
October 6th, 2018 at 7:19 AM ^
Hey Jim, just wanted to say that I'm a huge fan of yours, but I got to tell you the truth. If you lost to NW I was gonna start questioning your competence.
October 5th, 2018 at 9:22 PM ^
You should go. It doesn't look like severe weather during game time.
October 5th, 2018 at 9:34 PM ^
See Christina's diary post herein ...
October 5th, 2018 at 9:46 PM ^
I watch the weather reports from the National Weather Service (NWS) Aviation forecast for a friend of mine who tailgates and needs to know hour by hour fcst. The latest fcst published at 7:58 EDT notes that rain chances will be 57% before 9-10 am but dryer after that with 37% rain chance and continuing through the game that way till around 5pm when more rain will be present (57%).
The forecaster writing the aviation report notes that there is not enough guidance yet regarding TRW (Thunderstorms) but I think our Game Day Weather person has it about right with her discussion - there's a chance of a storm during the game but conditions are probably best during the period noon to around 3-4pm. After that, into the 5pm to midnight time frame, rain chances increase and so does the chance of TRW.
If you go to the hour by hour Accuweather fcst, this tracks pretty well with what I'm reading at the NWS Aviation site. Its' going to be wet at times throughout Saturday so plan foot ware and rain gear accordingly but I don't see a wash out nor do I see storm delays right now - that could change either at the 3am fcst or the 7am fcst depending on mid-level fcst flows (jets) that might carry the frontal boundry and accompanying airmass instability north into the AA area earlier than currently expected.
October 5th, 2018 at 10:06 PM ^
NWS-Detroit has an hourly forecast for all elements (temps, rain, wind, thunder, rh, dewpoints skycover). https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=42.3177&lon=-83.7554&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical
October 5th, 2018 at 9:51 PM ^
The best preparation is probably the largest tarp that they will allow in the stadium. Both you and your sister can then watch the game through strategically cut holes and hope for the best.
October 5th, 2018 at 9:53 PM ^
I like the Rapid Refresh Mesoscale numerical model. It shows the front and squall line of storms south of Michigan by 12 NOON Saturday. May still see scattered showers through the afternoon, north of the front but the heavy rainfall and storms should stay south.http://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrrr&p=refcmp_uh001h&rh=2018100518&fh=24&r=us_mw&dpdt=
October 5th, 2018 at 10:00 PM ^
The good news is, it's going to be warm. That makes all the difference. Suggest light clothing (shorts, t-shirts) waterproof shoes if you have them, and ponchos or the tarp suggested above. A couple of plastic bags to keep wallets, phones dry, hats with brims to keep the rain off you faces, particularly if you wear glasses. If there is lightening in the area they'll makes us all leave, which is a drag but not dangerous. Maybe have some dry socks, other clothes for after the game.
Have fun, go blue.
October 6th, 2018 at 1:26 AM ^
November 23rd 1991, the entire day was cold and drizzling, I was sitting near the 40 yd line about 30 rows up from the OSU bench when D Howard takes the punt from his 7. He splits the first 2 £uckeyes a second after he fields the punt. He kicks it into another gear as he passes me and the punter at the near sideline and I’m on my feet yelling "Heisman"!!! He outruns the entire punt team and strikes the pose. A truly cold and miserable day...to be John Cooper and the £uckeyes, otherwise glorious.
October 5th, 2018 at 10:14 PM ^
Bring a poncho and have a great time. If it’s lightening delayed it will only be for a short time. We were at the SMU & Nebraska game. Nothing like being at The Big House. Go Blue & have a great time!
October 6th, 2018 at 7:23 AM ^
Don't wanna be a dick, but it's "lightning"--not "lightening". Just a pet peeve, I'll crawl back under my crotchety rock now.
October 5th, 2018 at 10:20 PM ^
I have 2 free tickets for the game tomorrow not sure on how to transfer them and I’m in the Kalamazoo area. Text me at+1 (269) 365-1022 or respond here!
October 5th, 2018 at 11:13 PM ^
Go to the game. Maybe there are delays, maybe not.
But looking at mgoweather, it looks like you're in for a warm day. That means that it's not a frigid, cold rain, the kind that can make a day brutally unpleasant. Wear a ball cap to keep any rain out of your face, clothes that won't get heavy or chafe if they're damp, bring ponchos and a small hand towel to dry off your seats if needed, and have a great time.
You have the tickets. You're getting a great break with the warm weather. I'd give my left arm to be able to make that trip.
October 6th, 2018 at 7:22 AM ^
Thank you, everyone!
October 6th, 2018 at 9:55 AM ^
Not sure what’s going on now to the east but over here in West Michigan, storms have blown through & there is actually some blue sky showing just in for our grandkid’s football games.
Go Blue!