Severe thunderstorms could jeopardize final round of 2019 Masters tournament

By Kevin Byrne, AccuWeather staff writer

The 83rd Masters tournament has officially begun, to the delight of golf fans around the world.

While the weather for much of the tournament should cooperate for the players and fans, conditions could turn treacherous for Sunday's crucial final round at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.

Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the fifth hole during a practice round for the Masters golf tournament Wednesday, April 10, 2019, in Augusta, Georgia. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

AccuWeather meteorologists are monitoring the forecast with concern, as there is the threat for a potential Palm Sunday severe weather outbreak across the southeastern United States, which could include the Augusta area.

"Sunday will bring the risk of more general thunderstorms in the area and any storm could bring severe weather conditions with frequent lightning strikes, torrential downpours and strong wind gusts," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski. "However, the morning and early afternoon hours are likely to be free of rain, so it might be advantageous to start early to avoid the increasing risk of thunderstorms interfering as the afternoon and early evening hours progress."

If play is not stopped Sunday, the remaining golfers in contention for a green jacket will encounter a wind out of the south at around 8-16 mph on Sunday, which they will need to incorporate into their shot-making decisions. 

Fans planning to attend Sunday's final round should stay alert to the weather forecast and prepare to seek shelter at the first sign of thunder or lightning. Fans are reminded to observe all scoreboards and message boards around the course for signs displaying weather warnings.

According to the Masters' website: "This sign will appear in advance of inclement weather as information becomes available. When the sign appears, you are advised to take precautions even before play is suspended. Suspension of play will be signaled by the sounding of an air horn or similar alert."

Storms have already made their presence felt in Augusta this week.

During Tuesday's practice round, the course was evacuated and play was suspended as storms with lightning moved through the area. 

Defending champion Patrick Reed will seek to hold off a formidable field of competitors, which includes Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy.

For Friday and Saturday's rounds, the vast majority of the time looks to be rain free, according to Sosnowski. However, as more humid air begins to flow into the region, a passing shower or thundershower cannot be ruled out.

A south to southeasterly wind at 6-12 mph is forecast for Friday, while light to variable winds are expected Saturday.

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In addition to monitoring for potential storms, spectators should stay properly hydrated and have a hat and sunglasses handy. High temperatures in the mid-80s degrees Fahrenheit are expected for all four days of the tournament. A normal high for this time of year in Augusta is in the mid-70s.

This year's event is forecast to be warmer than the 2018 Masters, which was one of the coolest. The only day near 80 F was the second round. During the final round, the high was 60 F, which was 16 F below the normal (76 F) for the time of the year.