Thursday, June 18, 2009

UPDATED: Game Day Weather Forecast 6/18, Yankees vs. Nationals - Rain Delay Possible

UPDATE: (5:45 PM): New first pitch time set for approximately 6:30. So much for that day game!

UPDATE: (5:35 PM): First an update on the weather, why more rain keeps coming, and what the Yankees should do, via Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com
These are just minor mid level disturbances south of the main low pressure system, but honestly these showers should not inhibit the Yankees from starting the game. Somerset and Morris Counties are completely dry with little if any development behind them. I should note that the Phillies started under the same conditions, so I'm not sure what's holding them up. At any rate, if the Yankees are waiting for completely dry conditions, they might as well start at 7 PM cause the atmosphere is going to continue to produce these weak scattered showers.
And here is an update from someone AT the game, (AHSchwartz) as of 15 minutes ago:
Cheers as the grounds crew makes an appearance and starts working on the warning track.
UPDATE: (4:15 PM): OK, we lied, Steve has some more:
The rain is basically over for the Bronx. Just a few scattered showers over NE NJ to contend with, but the steady, heavy rain is done. The issue, which I really can't speak on is the condition of the playing field. Very heavy rain can cause a lot of ponding and that may take some time to fix for the grounds grew. As far as what's falling from the sky, the heaviest is done and off to the east.
UPDATE (3:30 PM): One final update:

Rain is coming to an end, but looks like the Yankees field team has a lot of work to do. The 4 PM start time will be free of heavy rainfall.
UPDATE (1:00 PM): Here is the latest from Steve:
The back end of the steady rainfall is over Newark, NJ and moving East-northeast. The steady rain will end abruptly in the next hour to hour and a half. After that the Yankees will be dodging light to moderate showers but should play. So expect a delay maybe until 2:30-3 PM.
We know, we know, enough with the weather updates! So, last night's forecast was Steve's first real clunker of the season, but we'll forgive him and let him jump right back on the horse today. The Yankees unfortunately have a day game, and as anyone who had to commute this morning knows, the weather is pretty terrible out there. Here is the exclusive Yankees game day forecast courtesy of Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com
Well, the heavy rain held off long enough for last night as dry air held out longer than expected. Obviously, that has all come to an end as waves of heavy rain are moving through the Bronx this morning.

There is some good news though. The wave of steady rain currently (8:25 AM) is coming to an end with the back end of the steady precipitation entering eastern Pennsylvania. The steady rain should come to an end around 12 PM to 1 PM, however scattered showers and isolated strong thunderstorms will remain a threat through the afternoon hours.

Regardless, field conditions will be a mess and a delay just to get the field in working order may be needed. Given the fact that The Nationals do not return to Yankee Stadium this year, I wouldn't be surprised if the Yankees and MLB try to wait this out for as long as possible with slightly drier conditions (compared to now) by later this afternoon.

Winds will be from the southeast around 10 to 20 mph, which will blow right to left over Yankee Stadium. Temperatures will range from the mid 60's to lower 70's through the game, but will feel more like the upper 50's to lower 60's due to the wet conditions and wind speed.
As Steve Said, the Yankees and MLB will likely wait this one out, and try to play the game during a dry window. Lets just hope the Yankees can salvage a series win after the most disappointing loss in new Yankee Stadium history.

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