2018 World Cup: Rain, storms may impact the first weekend of play

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist

By Adam Douty, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

June 10, 2018, 12:37:28 PM EDT

• Rain and thunderstorms could bring wet weather to some matches World Cup's first weekend.
• Warm and generally sunny weather is forecast across western Russia.
• The vast size of Russia means weather conditions could vary greatly at matches played throughout the country.

Venues hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup are spread widely across Russia, where areas of stormy weather are expected for the first weekend of the Group Phase portion of the tournament.

The first game will be held in Moscow on Thursday, June 14, when Russia will take on Saudi Arabia in Luzhniki Stadium at 6 p.m. local time (11 a.m. EST).

All 12 stadiums in 11 Russian cities scattered throughout the nation will then open for matches beginning on Friday, June 15.

Given the vastness of this nation, venues are widely separated, with some as far apart as 3,000 km (about 1,860 miles). Because of this, matches taking place at the same time will rarely be subject to the same weather conditions. 

There looks to be the threat for rain from Kazan to Yekaterinberg on Friday while dry weather prevails across much of western Russia. A front could spark thunderstorms near Rostov.

Spectators with tickets to matches taking place in Kazan Yekaterinbergmay want to prepare for rain. Those heading to Sochi should dress for warm and generally sunny weather.

"Most venues may have dry weather for Saturday, but there is concern that some rain and thunder could return to Kaliningrad late Saturday or Saturday night," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said.

While the match between Croatia and Nigeria in Kaliningrad at 9 p.m. local time could therefore face delays due to nearby lightning, matches in Saransk, Moscow and Kazan will go on uninterrupted by the weather on Saturday.

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It will be important for anyone attending a World Cup match to stay up-to-date on the local forecast to avoid getting caught in rainy conditions without the proper clothing and protection. This is especially true in central and northern Russia, where stormy weather is most frequent.

In the southernmost reaches of the country, temperatures in mid-June often exceed 27 C (80 F) amid a virtually rain-free time of year.

Umbrellas longer than 25 cm (9.8 inches) when folded are prohibited in World Cup stadiums, along with thermoses and bottles larger than 100 ml (about 4 ounces). Spectators should therefore plan for other ways to keep themselves dry and plan to frequent water fountains or purchase water bottles in order to stay hydrated in the heat.

Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen will be necessities for anyone spending long afternoons in the sun as well.