Good chance for rain for some F1 events
It’s looking more and more like a wet situation for most of the Formula One events in Las Vegas, with clearing predicted in time for Saturday night’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Tonight (F1 opening ceremonies) and Friday night (practice and qualifying) appear to be the most likely times for showers, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast.
“We should have some showers Wednesday evening into the overnight,” meteorologist Brian Planz said. The official forecast lists a 70 percent chance of showers Wednesday evening and 60 percent on Friday.
Saturday daytime is also listed at a 70 percent chance before much lower odds during the 10 p.m. to midnight Grand Prix race.
“By the time we get to Saturday evening the rain chances will diminish, but you can’t rule out a stray shower,” Planz said.
Temperatures during Friday evening qualifying should be steady at around 48 degrees. Temperatures on Saturday are expected to be about 60 at race time, dropping to around 57 by the end of the race.
F1 cars can race in wet conditions, but heavy rain can pose issues, mostly in the form of spray being kicked up by tires and limiting the visibility of drivers behind a fellow racer.
Showers possible tonight
Nearly six-tenths of an inch of moisture fell near Mount Charleston as of 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to Regional Flood Control District gauges. Light showers that had been falling around much of the valley were tapering off.
No measurable rain has been recorded at the official Las Vegas measuring station, Harry Reid International Airport, since Oct.1.
Contact Marvin Clemons at mclemons@reviewjournal.com.
