Rain, thunderstorm forecast for Masters weekend play

An approaching cold front is expected to bring rain and some severe thunderstorms during weekend play of the Masters Tournament.

Chris Liscinsky, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service's regional headquarters in West Columbia, S.C., said showers and thunderstorms are expected on Sunday, and Saturday could see rain similar to downpours Friday. 

“As we get into (Saturday), similar to what we are going to have (Friday), there will be a few more thunderstorms possible in the afternoon, but even with those, we are still not looking for any kind of severe potential with those,” Liscinsky said. “The more active weather is going to be what we are expecting for Sunday.”

Gusty winds around 30 to 40 miles per hour are forecast for Saturday. Liscinsky said a cold front coming from the southern gulf states will make its way to the Augusta area Sunday bringing bad weather.

“We are expecting some of those storms to become severe or have a severe potential as they move into the (area) during the afternoon hours,” he said. “We are looking for the potential for strong winds.”

He encourages anyone attending the tournament to be aware of the weather. The timing of the storm could potentially impact the latter portion of Masters Sunday, Liscinsky said.

Eight rounds have been postponed in Masters history but the last Monday finish due to weather was in 1983. When the tournament was originally held in late March, weather caused delays in three of the first six Masters. The weather for this Monday is expected to be a bit cooler and windy, but no rain, Liscinsky said. 

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-70s for the afternoon hig Monday with winds 10 to 15 miles per hour and gusts of 20 to 25 miles per hour, Liscinsky said. John Ussery, Augusta’s assistant director for traffic engineering, said they will treat it like another Masters traffic day, if it is extended to Monday.

In the event of a Monday finish, patrons with any badge or ticket that provided access on Sunday, will be allowed to access the final round, according to the Masters spectator guide.

Liscinsky said severe weather is common this time of year for Augusta.

“This time of the year is typically around our peak severe weather season,” he said.