Update: Masters Week forecast improves

Early forecasts of Masters Week weather were cause for concern, but as tournament week approaches, conditions appear to be improving. 

Sunday's Drive, Chip and Putt competitors are in the clear, because the weather is expected to be sunny and warm, with a high of 81. 

Patrons attending the Monday practice round may still want to bring rain gear, but Tuesday's forecast is improving. Monday's forecast says an afternoon thunderstorm is possible, and Tuesday is now expected to be partly cloudy but free of rain. 

Wednesday's Par 3 Contest is expected to feature warm weather on a partly cloudy day with a high of 84. Late evening rain should not affect tournament patrons. 

As the tournament begins on Thursday, the forecast says a thunderstorm is possible, with a high of 75 and a low of 52, so wear layers. Friday is expected to be cooler and cloudy but dry, with a high of 68 and a low of 49. 

Early forecasts for Saturday's famous Moving Day indicated thunderstorms were expected, but the chance of an afternoon storm has now dropped to five percent. It will be another cool day, with a high of 69 and a low of 47.. 

Sunday's round should feature great weather, with few clouds, a high of 77 and a low of 55. 

The Masters has seen its share of challenging weather. Weather caused delays in three of the first six tournaments, and an entire day of action was washed out in 1961, 1973 and 1983. Patrons were asked to leave the course by 10 a.m. during the Monday practice round in 2014, and play ended not long after noon. 

If weather delays the finish, Monday's forecast is sunny with a high of 83. Horton Smith won his second Masters title on a Monday in 1936, and Seve Ballesteros earned his second Green Jacket in a Monday finish in 1983. Henry Picard (1938) and Tommy Aaron (1973) each claimed their only Masters titles on a Monday. 

Patrons are allowed to bring umbrellas on the course, and they are available at the merchandise stands for $45. If you plan on packing rain gear in a bag to carry on the course, make sure the bag is smaller than 10" x 10" x 12" so it meets security requirements. Keep in mind, tournament officials will close the course if the weather turns dangerous.