2018 French Open: Showers, storms to threaten further delays this week

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

May 29, 2018, 1:18:25 PM EDT

As the opening rounds of the French Open continue this week, there will be a risk for further delays and suspension of matches.

Rain forced the suspension of matches on Monday and caused delays on Tuesday.

The threat for daily showers and thunderstorms will continue at Roland Garros through at least Friday.

With all of the courts being uncovered, including the center court, Court Philippe Chatrier, even a few showers could bring about a string of delays. An expansion project, expected to be completed by 2020, will add a roof and more seats to Court Philippe Chatrier.

While all-day washouts are not expected, showers and thunderstorms can quickly pop up anytime throughout the day, causing delays and drenching spectators.

The recent unseasonable warmth will continue into Friday with daily high temperatures expected to range between 21 and 26 Celsius (70 and 79 Fahrenheit). The normal high temperature in Paris in late May is 20.6 C (79 F).

RELATED: 
Detailed French Open weather forecast 
2018 Europe summer forecast: Intense heat to seize France to Germany; Fierce storms to hit Poland to Italy, Romania 
Interactive France weather satellite

Anyone attending matches over the next several days will want to be prepared with light-colored clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, while also being ready for sudden rainfall with a poncho or umbrella.

Largely dry weather is expected to return to Roland Garros from Saturday into Monday, reducing the risk for delays but allowing temperatures to climb a few degrees higher. Highs on Sunday and Monday are expected to be around 27 C (80 F).

Another slow-moving storm system is expected to arrive next week, bringing several days of unsettled weather with an elevated risk for thunderstorms.