NSI Game Day Weather - World Series 2009 - Game 1 and beyond

If you're a baseball fan in New York or Philadelphia, this is what its all about - the fall classic, the World Series. Unfortunately, being a fan in this part of the country also means dealing with volatile weather, especially in October and November.

During last year's World Series in Philadelphia a game had to be suspended and continued on another day due to inclement weather. Late last night, MLB announced that Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' performance of "Empire State Of Mind" before game one of the 2009 World Series would be pushed back to the pre-game ceremonies before game two because of rain in New York City. It would appear that rain is once again going to wreak havoc on baseball in the Northeast, so we have enlisted the services of Steve DiMartino of NYNJPAWeather.com to provide forecast updates. Here is what he has to say about the weather for the first games of the 2009 World Series:

An area of low pressure will be exiting the New Jersey coastal waters this evening. The brunt of the heavy rain will be over, however a few showers may linger at the start of the game. Dry conditions can be expected as the evening continues. Winds will be from the northeast around 10 to 20 mph. Temperatures will range from 50 to 53 degrees.

Game Delay Potential: MINOR: Showers at the start of the game may lead to a brief delay, but with the brunt of the rain to the east, any delay will be short.

Game Postponement: NONE: Conditions will become drier as the evening progresses, which will allow the game to be played.

Rest of The Series:

I’m calling this World Series the Northern Mid Atlantic Rumble! Let the war begin. As a Mets fan, besides this forecast, I say what World Series? Just kidding. With the game’s locations within hours of each other I am going to forecast for both home and away.

Game 2: At Yankees Stadium, Thursday 7:57 PM: High pressure will produce scattered clouds and dry conditions. Winds will be light and variable. Temperatures will range from the lower to mid 50’s through the game.

Game 3: At Philadelphia, Saturday 7:57 PM: Periods of showers in the evening with drying conditions after 8 PM. Timing of the cold front will be key just like the passage of the low pressure system for Wednesday evening. Winds will veer from the south to the west. Temperatures will fall into the 50’s.

Game 4: At Philadelphia, Sunday 8:20 PM: Periods of rain, heavy at times, with winds veering from the south to west around 10 to 20 mph. Temperatures will range from the lower to mid 50’s.

Winds for Game 1

It appears that game one here in New York will narrowly escape being affected by rain (aside from the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys performance being postponed). Unfortunately, the games played in Philadelphia may not be as lucky and will likely involve dodging the raindrops. If you hold tickets to games 3, 4, or 5 we'd recommend keeping a close eye on the weather forecasts.

Read the full post, after the jump

NSI Game Day Weather - ALDS Game 1 - Rain Clears, Winds Remain

The playoffs are finally here! As expected, there is rain in the forecast (seems to be the theme of 2009), but it should clear the area by game time. According to our good friend Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com, the main weather impact in this game will be strong winds. Here is what he has to say:

Wind this evening

The rain will exit the Bronx by early this afternoon ensuring dry conditions for the game. The biggest impact will be the strong northwesterly winds around 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph. The direction of the wind will be blowing out towards right field and will have a significant impact on fly balls and pop ups. For example, a pop up towards third base will be pushed towards short stop the longer the ball is in the air. Temperatures at the start of the game will be in the lower 60’s and fall quickly through the mid 50’s for the duration of the game. Temperatures will feel like the upper 40’s to lower 50’s when the wind is taken into account.

Game Delay Potential: None: I don’t expect any reason for a delay as the precipitation will be east of the Bronx by the afternoon. The main threat will be the wind, which will not delay the game.

Game Postponement: None: No postponement of the game is expected.

Game 2: Friday at 6 PM: Showers will be a threat as a warm front pushes north over the Bronx. The showers may be heavy at times as the warm front moves through in the evening, however drier conditions are expected after 8 PM as the warm front lifts north. Winds will veer to the southwest around 10 to 20 mph. Temperatures will range from the lower to mid 60’s through the game.

As Michael Kay has told us 8.2 million times, A-Rod "has trouble with pop-ups," so let's hope that the wind doesn't become a factor in that sense! From a fan's perspective, the cold wind will be the worst in the upper rows of the grandstand (rows 14 and up), as well as in the back rows of the terrace section. Also, expect a strong and uncomfortable wind if you are in standing room or cafe seating areas on the field level. Bring warm clothing. We did notice recently that the main level (200's) is much warmer than the rest of the stadium on cold nights, since it doesn't have the open feel of the Grandstand and field levels.

Read the full post, after the jump

UPDATE: NSI Game Day Weather Forecast 9/11/09 - Jeter and The Yankees Set For A Battle With Rain, Orioles

Update (9/11 - 6:15 PM):

This comes via Steve of NYNJPAWeather.com:

The Bronx is currently between two bands of light to moderate rainfall. As the evening continues, these bands will lift north and west, eventually moving over Yankee Stadium. Expect periods of rain, on and off through the game with delays at times. No other changes in the forecast will be needed.

I think the Yankees will try very hard to get this game in no matter how long it takes.

Update (9/11 - 5:00 PM):

I'm no meteorologist like Steve, but the radar seems to be drying out:



I wouldn't be surprised at all if the game started without a delay. If you are a hardcore fan, you should head up to the stadium. If you don't care for sitting in very unpleasant weather conditions, stay home.

Update (9/11 - 2:30 PM):

Steve has checked in with an update, and it is BAAAAAAAAD news:

The coastal low is expected to now stall over central New Jersey through tonight, which is bad news for those going to the game tonight. Moisture is being driven right into the Bronx from the Atlantic at almost all levels of the atmosphere, which will keep the rain threat alive through tonight. As a result, waves of rain will continue to move into Bronx this evening, some of this rain will be heavy at times, which will likely make playing conditions very difficult if not impossible. The wind is also going to become an issue as a stiff easterly wind is expected to range from 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. This wind is going to blow in towards home plate, which will have a significant impact on any fly balls or pop ups. Temperatures will hold in the mid 60’s through the game.

Game Delay Potential: High: Waves of showers are expected over the Bronx this evening, which will lead to potentially long delays in the game.

Game Postponement: Moderate: Rain will be a constant threat through this evening and playing conditions are going to be significantly impacted. Logic will dictate that this game should be postponed, however the schedule may force the Yankees to find a way to play this game tonight as the one off day the Yankees did have will be used to play a rained out game against the Angels. So while the conditions clearly point to a postponement, the Yankees may have no choice but to find a way to play at least 5 innings before calling it a night.

Can't be much worse of an update than that.

This morning's post (with speculation about makeup dates) follows :

Thousands of people who swarmed StubHub for tickets following Jeter's record-tying single on Wednesday night probably don't want to hear this, but there is plenty of rain in this evening's forecast.

As always, Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com is on hand to provide us with the pertinent details. The forecast seems grim, but Steve believes they'll play the game. We will update this post throughout the day if anything changes.

A strong coastal low will slowly exit the region by this evening, which will leave lingering showers over the Bronx through the game after a drenching rain that fell through most of today. Field conditions will be significantly impacted by the rainfall, however the heaviest rainfall will be finished by the start of the game. Winds will back from the east to the north around 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, especially at the start of the game. Temperatures hold in the lower 60’s through the game.

Game Delay Potential: High: With a constant threat of showers rotating through the Bronx through at least 8 PM, there will be a high potential for scattered showers to produce a lengthy delay of game.

Game Postponement: Low: While conditions will not be best for baseball, I think that unless this storm unexpectedly stalls off the coast, that the steady rain will be over for the Bronx by the time the game starts. However, I am keeping the threat for a postponement at low (suggesting a possibility of postponement) due to the conditions of the field being significantly impacted from the heavy rain through the day.

Series versus O’s: Showers will continue to linger over the Bronx through early Saturday afternoon, however as the afternoon wares on, drier conditions can be expected. Temperatures on Saturday will range from the upper 60’s to lower 70’s with a north wind around 5 to 10 mph. On Sunday, high pressure will take hold with clearing skies, a northwest wind around 5 to 10 mph, and temperatures in the mid 70’s through the game.

Rest of the Home Stand: Strong high pressure will take hold by Sunday night and remain in control through Wednesday. Optimal playing conditions are expected for the remainder of the home stand.

Wind Direction This Evening

If tonight's game is postponed, people who have spent hundreds of dollars on the secondary market to see Derek Jeter surpass Lou Gehrig on the Yankees hit list will be out of luck. The teams will have to make up the game since every Yankees game still has home field implications.

However, tickets for tonight's potentially postponed game would be valid for a makeup game which won't happen until Sunday at the earliest (FOX has an exclusive window on Saturday afternoon). There is a good chance that Jeter will have gotten a hit by then, meaning those people spent a lot of money to see a meaningless September game against the Orioles. Let's all just hope the rain ends in time for the game to be played this evening.

Read the full post, after the jump

UPDATED: NSI Game Day Weather - Yankees vs. White Sox 8/28/09 - Rainout Possible Saturday

UPDATE (Saturday morning 8/29 9:00 AM Update): The Yankees dodged a bullet last night. Lets hope they can do the same today! Here is what Steve has to say:

The remnants of Tropical Storm Danny will move to the southeast of the Bronx with periods of heavy rain through the early afternoon. Rain will taper off to scattered showers as the afternoon progresses. Winds will be from the east around 10 to 20 mph at the start of the game and back to the northwest as the afternoon progresses. Temperatures will range from the upper 70’s to lower 80’s through the game.

Game Delay Potential: High: With waves of heavy rain, a delay in the game is significantly possible. As the afternoon wares on, the potential for drier conditions will increase, especially towards the evening.

Game Postponement: Moderate: The Yankees may have dodged the rain on Friday night, but may not be so lucky today. Periods of heavy rain may prevent the start of the game and may force a postponement to the game.

Rest Of The Series: On Sunday, showers will linger through the afternoon with a threat for a delay in the game as a strong cold front moves through the Bonx. Temperatures will range cool, in the mid to upper 70’s through Saturday’s game and upper 70’s to lower 80’s for Sunday’s game.

Wind Direction This Afternoon

UPDATE (6:00 PM): Steve just checked in with the following bad news

Very heavy rain is moving north from central New Jersey and will only intensify as the evening progresses. In short, those going to the stadium tonight will end up wet and likely with

UPDATE (3:00 PM): The following comes from Steve:

Expect steady light rain to continue on and off through the early evening. The heavier rain expected after 8PM is developing over southern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey and will continue to move north. I think there is a high threat for at least a lengthy delay and a moderate chance for a postponement.

A lot of moisture is heading this way from the disturbance over the Southeast and from Danny now through Sunday morning.

We have changed the color codes below in response.

We return from our hiatus to issue the following forecast:

But seriously, the White Sox last trip to the Bronx for the '09 season is going to be quite wet, so we have Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com on board to guide us through the raindrops:

A warm front will move north towards the Bronx this evening with broken to overcast cloud cover and scattered showers through the game. The rainfall will increase in coverage and intensity through the evening. Winds will be from the east around 5 to 15 mph. Temperatures will range from the upper 60’s to lower 70’s through the game.

Game Delay Potential: Moderate: While I expect the game to start on time, waves of showers will likely cause a delay in the game towards the later innings. The heaviest showers will remain to the south of the Bronx through much of the evening, but will move northwards towards the end of the evening. HIGH (see 3:00 PM update above)

Game Postponement:Low: The threat of a game postponement is low given how light the precipitation is expected to be. The conditions will not warrant a suspension in play, however conditions will not be comfortable. Moderate: (see above 3:00 PM update). A postponement in the game is possible if the warm front stalls just south of the Bronx, over parts of New York and Queens County, which will produce a constant training of showers over the Bronx.

Rest Of The Series: On Saturday, heavy rain can be expected as the remnants of Danny moves to the east of the Bronx. A postponement of this game is highly likely given the potential for widespread heavy rain and windy conditions. On Sunday, showers will linger through the afternoon with a threat for a delay in the game as a strong cold front moves through the Bonx. Temperatures will range cool, in the mid to upper 70’s through Saturday’s game and upper 70’s to lower 80’s for Sunday’s game.

Wind Direction Tonight

According to Steve, tonight's game should be played, as the rain will be more showery in nature during the evening hours. Lets hope.

Looking ahead, a rain out on Saturday would leave the Yankees in an interesting quandary. It would be in their best interests to play a doubleheader on Sunday to avoid late-season travel issues. However, ESPN has the exclusive broadcast rights after 7 PM on Sundays, so they would have to consider the rare single-admission doubleheader. Back in June, we wondered what it would take for the Yankees to schedule a single-admission doubleheader. This could be the perfect storm of circumstances (no pun intended). If the Yankees do opt for a single-admission doubleheader on Sunday, tickets for that game would likely be valid, and people holding tickets for Saturday's game would be offered refunds. It would be rather unpleasant for our friends in the Yankees ticket office, and for people holding Saturday's tickets.

The Yankees and White Sox do have common off days on September 10 and September 24, but both cause issues. For September 10, the White Sox would be forced to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles via New York City - never an enjoyable experience. On September 24, the Yankees would have to play on the off day after a west coast trip, and the White Sox would have to travel to New York for one game in the middle of a home stand.

The overriding theme here is that the Yankees are going to be forced to do all they can to get this weekend's games in. If raindrops are falling from the sky and are in the forecast, don't assume the games are going to be canceled - it is more likely that there are going to be lengthy delays.

Read the full post, after the jump

UPDATED: NSI Game Day Weather - Yankees vs. Red Sox vs. Rain - Delay Potential Discussed

Update (1:30 PM): Steve has checked in with a weather update. Looks like the rain has stayed away for the most part, and he is dropping the delay potential to moderate:

The heaviest rain will remain to the south and east of the Bronx through the rest of the evening hours. There will remain a risk of scattered showers through 8 PM, but a delay is not expected now. The rest of the forecast is unchanged.

It appears that all systems are go! We'll see you at the game tonight!

We don't usually get caught up in the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry hype, but this is the series we have all been waiting for. The Yankees are flying high, returning home in first place, 2.5 games up on the hated Red Sox - even while losing all 8 head-to-head battles thus far in '09. The calendar is fast approaching the time of year that Yankees fans live for - October. These games have the potential to be the most exciting that the "new house" has ever seen.

Of course, it is Summer '09, so it means that rain is in the forecast - the only thing that can put a damper on the excitement. Luckily, we have Steve DiMartino of NYNJPAWeather.com on hand to prepare us for the uncontrollable atmospheric conditions. Since the last home stand, Steve has been hard at work on a new forecast format for these NSI game day weather reports. At the bottom of his update, you will find a "delay potential" section and a "postponement potential" section. We have introduced this to help fans who travel long distances in making their decision about if/when they are going to leave for the game. Here is what Steve has to say today:

Well, anyone who loves baseball knows all about the wars that the Yankees and Red Sox have had over the years, decades, even centuries. Yes, centuries! Anyway, just because the Yankees and Red Sox will be battling for first place doesn’t mean the rain is not going to stay away.

An area of low pressure will continue to slide to the east of the Bronx this evening with showers lingering through the start of the game. The rain will end from from northwest to southeast through the evening with clearing conditions likely after 8 PM. Winds will back from the east to northeast around 5 mph, which will have little impact on the game conditions. However, winds will be blowing in from right field with a slight influence in the outfield. Temperatures will range from 70 to 75 through the game tonight.

Game Delay Potential: High The initial start of the game may be delayed until at least 8 PM, but game conditions will improve as the evening progresses

Game Delay Potential: Moderate The initial start of the game may be delayed until at least 8 PM, but game conditions will improve as the evening progresses

Game Postponement: Low (conditions will drastically improve after 8 PM, and the bulk of the rain will remain to the south )

Wind Direction This Evening

Rest of the Series:

The Yankees host the Red Sox through the weekend and the threat of rain will linger right through the series. Generally dry conditions can be expected on Friday night, however an isolated shower is still possible in the early evening. I don’t expect much of any impact through. Winds will be light and variable with temperatures in the lower to mid 70’s.

On Saturday, the Yankees will play at 4:05 PM. Got to love Fox Sports right? Anyway, clouds will increase through the day as a low pressure system approaches. The threat of rain will increase towards the later innings as an area of showers and thunderstorms approaches from northern Pennsylvania. Winds will be from the south around 5 to 15 mph. Temperatures will range from the mid to upper 70’s for highs.

ESPN takes over on Sunday with a game at 8 PM. The forecast is a bit tricky here as a warm front will move through in the afternoon with showers and thunderstorms followed by a cold front overnight. Between the two frontal boundary, an area of dry conditions is expected. Currently, the timing of this dry period run through the evening hours, giving the chance for the game to be played. Winds will be from the southwest around 10 to 20 mph and temperatures in the mid to upper 70’s.

Rest of the Series:

The threat of showers and thunderstorms will remain through the rest of the home stand for the start of next week. A stationary front will focus a series of disturbances over the region that will lead to periods of showers and thunderstorms. The stationary front will waver over the Bronx, but for the most part is expected to be north of the region. As a result, south to southwesterly winds can be expected for the most part along with temperatures ranging from the lower 90’s at the start of the games, falling into the 80’s through the rest of the evening.

Once again, we'd like to thank Steve for the updates he provides regarding Yankee Stadium weather. These posts are invaluable for fans traveling to games that are impacted by weather, as shown by the Google-referred traffic that they generate. We may not be able to control the weather, but if affects our plans, so it helps to be armed with the most accurate information.

While you're here, be sure to follow both New Stadium Insider and NYNJPAWeather.com on Twitter:

New Stadium Insider on Twitter

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Read the full post, after the jump

Yankees vs. Orioles 7/21 Weather - Rain Gives Way To Playable Conditions - Postponement Unlikely

Well, if you look out your window, or on your favorite weather website, you are probably thinking that tonight's game is going to be a washout. Luckily, that is not the case. Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com is here (as always) to update us about today's rain, and tonight's improving conditions:

Game Today: Start time 7:00 PM vs Baltimore

Wind Direction This Evening (in from right/right center)

The steady rain will be over in the Bronx by the time the game is expected to start, however showers will still linger over the region. Through the game, expect overcast to broken cloud cover along with a continued yet diminishing threat of showers as the evening progresses. A delay in the game is possible, but drier conditions will prevail to allow for the game to be played. However, field conditions will not be optimal. Winds will be from the northeast through the game around 5 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph at times. This wind blows in towards home plate and will have an influence on fly balls. Temperatures will range from 66 to 69 degrees. Overall, tonight looks to be a bit damp and raw, so bring a light jacket and some rain gear.

The Rest of the Series: The Yankees finish their series with Baltimore tomorrow afternoon with a 1 PM start time. Dry conditions are expected for the most part early tomorrow afternoon. However the threat of a few isolated to scattered showers will return late in the afternoon and may have an impact on the later innings of the ball game. Temperatures will range from the upper 70’s to lower 80’s with a wind from the south around 5 to 10 mph.

Rest of the Home Stand:

Through the end of next week and into next weekend, the threat of showers and thunderstorms will likely complicate playing conditions as showers and thunderstorms will develop each afternoon. On the bright side, warm and humid conditions will prevail with temperatures a more summer-like range of the mid to upper 80’s for afternoon highs and temperatures falling into the 70’s in the evening. Winds through the period will generally come from the southwest ranging from 5 to 15 mph in general. This wind blows out towards center field, which should make some games rather interesting. So aside from the threat of showers and thunderstorms, which will be scattered, the conditions through the home stand will rather pleasant.

So, don't cancel those plans for tonight just yet!

Last night was another great night in the Bronx. Isn't it fitting that even the pitcher's duels are home run-fests? Two days in a row the Yankees win 2-1, and all of the runs come on solo home runs. Fun times.

If you are heading out to the game tonight, have fun. We'll be back in the house on Thursday night for the makeup game against Oakland. Check back here later today for any necessary late-breaking weather updates. Read the full post, after the jump

UPDATED: The Boys Are Back In Town! Home Stand Weather Conditions - Rain Is In The Forecast

UPDATE (5:00 PM) - Another update from Steve

The strong thunderstorms that formed over the southern Mid Atlantic and over eastern Pennsylvania is producing an area of dry conditions over central New Jersey. While rain is expected, the brunt of the heavy rain over eastern Pennsylvania is moving north-northeast, which is parallel to the Bronx. While I do expect rain to be an issue for tonight, there is a slight chance this game may be started under dry conditions or at least with light showers. However, eventually the rain is going to win out for this evening. Bring an umbrella and a pocket full of cash because the food there isn’t cheap while you are waiting for the game to restart.

UPDATE (3:45 PM) - Bad news for the game tonight, according to Steve:

An area of heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms has developed over southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania this afternoon and is rapidly moving towards New York City and the Bronx. Rain can be expected this evening, heavy at times, along with embedded strong to severe thunderstorms. A lengthy delay or postponement is likely.

The Yankees return to the Bronx for an extended home stand, and Steve from NYNJPAWeather.com is here with a weather updates!

Game Today: Start time 7:05 vs Detroit

This evening, showers and thunderstorms will produce a threat for a delay or postponement of the game. The thunderstorms will

Wind Direction Today

generally be concentrated to the west of the Bronx this evening, however a few strong thunderstorms will threaten to enter from the west and southwest. Otherwise, partly cloudy skies are expected. Winds will be from the south around 5 to 15 mph, veering to the southeast by the end of the game. This wind blows across the stadium from right field to left field. Other than the thunderstorms, I do not expect winds to be a significant impact to playing conditions. Widespread showers will approach the Bronx from the southwest towards the end of the game as a low pressure system approaches. Temperatures at the start of the game will range from the upper 70’s to lower 80’s and fall into the mid 70’s with humid conditions.

Rest of the Detroit Series:

High pressure will provide dry conditions and clear to partly cloudy skies for both the Saturday and Sunday games. Winds will be generally light from the west around 5 to 10 mph. Temperatures for both games will range from the upper 70’s to lower 80’s.

Rest of the Home Stand:

Through next week, the threat of showers and thunderstorms will likely complicate playing conditions as showers and thunderstorms will develop each afternoon. On the bright side, warm and humid conditions will prevail with temperatures a more summer-like range of the mid to upper 80’s for afternoon highs and temperatures falling into the 70’s in the evening. Winds through the period will generally come from the southwest ranging from 5 to 15 mph in general. This wind blows out towards center field, which should make some games rather interesting. So aside from the threat of showers and thunderstorms, which will be scattered, the conditions through the home stand will rather pleasant.

As always, we'd like to thank Steve for helping us stay dry during this rainy summer! Read the full post, after the jump

UPDATED: Some Thoughts About The Second Longest Rain Delay In Baseball History

Yesterday, the umpires the Yankees made an unorthodox decision and allowed for [unofficially] the second-longest rain delay in baseball history. Today, there will be the inevitable backlash as jilted fans share their displeasure with the Yankees, even though the decision was pretty much out of their hands.

One such complaint is from an NSI reader (from the comments section on yesterday's rain post):

The Yankees' treatment of fans yesterday was laughable. People brought kids to the game, were told that there was a "3 o'clock window" and were forced to wait around for hours. My favorite part? My daughter and I couldn't sit anywhere because our seats were in the terrace. "You can stand anywhere," we were told. However, when the Yankees realized that the lower seats were going to be viewable (empty) on television, they let fans move down. Thing is, most of us who laid out money were already gone. The delay was the SECOND LONGEST IN HISTORY. Just laughable! Someone should see how fans at the LONGEST rain-delayed game were treated. I'm going to guess that they were allowed to sit for a few hours and were not denied re-entry. C'mon, Yankees. You're really testing my patience here.

It is quite unfortunate that the Terrace seats are uncovered, and it is true that the Yankees do not offer any covered seating in public areas in the park. If the complaint is about the design of the stadium, or the training of the security, read through this blog, and you will see that we have very similar opinions. We agree that it is asinine for the Yankees to have denied people the option to sit in covered upper deck seats during the delay, but it was probably poor communication between badly trained security, instead of official Yankees policy. As far as the lengthy rain delay goes, we're not ready to blame the Yankees.

First off, the team can't control the weather, and yesterday they didn't control the decision to cancel the game. UPDATE: Thanks to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com for pointing out that the Yankees did in fact control the decision (that is the last time we rely on Peter Abraham for factual information).

Due to extenuating circumstances that caused an unfortunate and historic rain delay, the team is offering all ticket holders free tickets to a game next year. In addition, all fans who remained for last night's game were allowed to move down into the Legends seats once word got out to security.

Meteorologists, including Steve DiMartino, special to NSI from NYNJPAWeather.com saw that 3:00 PM window. We can vouch for the fact that at 3 PM, the rain began to taper off. Unfortunately, additional heavy bands of showers continued to develop through 5 PM.

The Yankees have already had to deal with an inordinate number of rain delays this year. With an afternoon game, clearing conditions expected, and two teams who didn't have far to travel for their game the next day, it was the recipe for a long delay.

In situations like this, the long term health of the players has to be the top priority. If the Yankees canceled yesterday's game, they would have had to make it up some time in September - a month that already features a game scheduled on a previously scheduled off day, as well a double header. Baseball is too big of a business to cram that many games in the last month of the season. With every makeup game in September, the likelihood of players getting hurt increases, and the team's playoff chances decreases.

The Yankees did what they had to do to get the game in yesterday. Some fans suffered, but if they blame anything or anyone, it should be the weather, and MAYBE the meteorologists - not the Yankees. We just hope fans didn't have to suffer through 5.5 hours of the same high definition video board "entertainment" that we did during a lengthy rain delay back in April:



We'd stab our eyes out. Read the full post, after the jump

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.

Read the full post, after the jump

UPDATED: Weekend Weather For Yankees vs. Angels - Saturday Should Not Be Affected By Rain, Sunday A Different Story

UPDATE (5/2 9:00 AM) This update comes from Steve DiMartino of NYNJPAWeather.com:

I got some good news. The cold front has moved south of New York City and will remain over southern New Jersey through the day. Winds will be from the north and north-northwest around 5 to 15 mph through today's game. I expect generally dry conditions through much of the game, but can't rule out a few isolated showers after 2 PM, so the later innings may be impacted by a delay in the game or at least wet conditions. Temperatures will range from 63 to 66 degrees.

So, there is some good news for the folks heading out to today's game!

UPDATE (5/1 3:30 PM) If you look out the window shortly and see heavy rain, don't think that the game will be canceled. This is the cold front pushing through, and it is going to bring along with it some rain, and possibly thunderstorms. It should push through early enough that the start of the game is not delayed. Batting practice will likely be canceled, but its not like you can get anywhere close to the field anyway.

We will be updating this post throughout the weekend (The original post is after the jump), and bumping it to the top of the page as updates are required. Steve should be providing us with updated weather discussions, so please check back for that. We'll also try to stay in close contact with the Yankees to find out if any of the games are canceled. Everyone else can keep an eye on the official Yankee weather update page.


Well, Steve hinted at this yesterday, and now it appears to be something we are going to have to deal with - bad weather for this weekend's Yankees vs. Angels series. Since we are obviously not the experts, we will direct you over to NYNJPAWeather.com, and specifically this paragraph of today's weather discussion:

So basically, showers will remain a threat through today with a line of strong to potentially severe thunderstorms this evening as the cold front moves through the forecast area. The main threat from the thunderstorms will be heavy downpours, wind gusts over 50 mph, and frequent lightning. The severe threat can be characterized as isolated.

And then we have this depressing statement from Steve:

As you can see, this is not the best weekend for going to the beach or to a ball game. A threat for showers and thunderstorms will linger over the region through the weekend with heavy rain at times. Temperatures will remain near to below normal through the weekend and into early next week. A return of temperatures in the 70’s is expect towards the middle and end of next week.

Of course - the good weather was wasted when the Mets were at home.
Read the full post, after the jump

5/20 weather update - steady rain likely

UPDATE (5/20 5:42 PM): The rain is quickly moving through the area as can be seen in the radar below. What lies in its wake is cold, drizzly, damp conditions. The bulk of the rain will be through the area by 7:00 - 7:30, but it will remain uncomfortable. If I was a betting man, I would wager that the game will be played. I would certainly suggest not to play A-Rod in these conditions though (as I mentioned below).



It is going to be tough to get tonight's game in, at least according to this radar:


radar accurate as of 5/20/08 at 3:20 PM

Even if they do play the game, Joe Girardi should seriously consider scratching the returning A-God from the lineup. All we need is for his quad to tighten up a bit and then have him slip on wet grass and be out for another month.

I will update this as I see fit, but I doubt the game will start on time, if at all.

Talk about it in the NYYSI Forums! Read the full post, after the jump