Jonathan Erdman
Another California storm could soak a National Football League Wild Card playoff game this weekend in the Bay Area.
The San Francisco 49ers will host the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL's first Wild Card game Saturday afternoon with a scheduled kickoff of 1:30 p.m. PST.
That's when a stronger Pacific storm, the latest in an over two-week barrage of storms, is expected to lash Northern California.
The Forecast
Rain is now falling in a good section of Northern California, and it could briefly become heavy ahead of a cold front.
Some lightning is also possible in this heavier rain.
As the front surges through, wind gusts up to 50 mph are also possible.
It appears this round of heavy rain and high winds may occur before kickoff.
However, while steady rain should end quickly behind the cold front in the afternoon, a few showers are possible during the game and gusty westerly winds are likely to persist.
(IN DEPTH: Santa Clara Forecast)
Kickoff ForecastPotential Impacts
While the heavier rain is now more likely to happen before kickoff, some puddles could still be on parts of the field not covered by a tarp.
The wind and any rain showers could hamper kicks and punts, and could make it difficult for players to keep their footing and hold on to the football.
Any lightning strikes, which are possible in showers behind California cold fronts, could lead to at least a brief delay.
They've Played Through Rain This Season
The Seahawks are no strangers to playing in rain, with home games outside in fall and winter, during some of their wettest months of the year. They pulled out a victory at home last Sunday in a game they needed to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The 49ers have also played in a few rain games this season.
Their Week 1 opener was played in a quagmire at Soldier Field when over an inch of rain soaked Chicago on Sept. 11.
Members of the San Francisco 49ers look on against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on Sept. 11, 2022, in Chicago, Illinois.The following Sunday, light rain showers fell during their home opener, also against the Seahawks.
And just over a month ago, rain also drenched Northern California as the Niners hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 11.
Incidentally, another wild card game may have some interesting weather this weekend.
Saturday night's game between the L.A. Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars, may be played in temperatures in the upper 30s or 40s with breezy northwest winds. This might be a bit uncomfortable for two teams accustomed to playing in warmer weather or indoors, as is the case for the Chargers.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
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