Daytona 500 weather updates: Will rain in Sunday’s forecast delay the 2021 NASCAR race?

It just wouldn’t be a NASCAR event without the threat of delayed rain. Even the first points race of the 2021 NASCAR Cup series – the Daytona 500 – is not immune.

Daytona Beach, Florida was untouched by inclement weather on Tuesday as Kyle Busch won an exciting Clash in Daytona. Thursday’s Daytona duels, however, were less fortunate; rain delayed the second qualifying race of the 500, also known as the Daytona Duels.

NASCAR is probably hoping for the weather before Sunday, but early indications suggest the Daytona 500 will have at least some delays. The length of the delay depends significantly on the amount of rain and how quickly the track can be dried.

Here’s everything you need to know about the weather forecast for the Daytona 500, including the risk of rain, high and low temperatures, and wind speed for Sunday afternoon and night:

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Daytona 500 weather updates

13 hours – Still sunny skies in Daytona about two hours from the green flag,

11:40 a.m. – This is the latest radar, with blue skies currently over Daytona and crews working to dry the track.

10 hours – The latest forecasts suggest delays, but the outlook for finishing the race today is optimistic.

9:30 am – The Daytona 500 is still on schedule for its start time of 3 p.m. ET, waiting for heavy rain in the forecast for Daytona International Speedway throughout the morning and afternoon.

Weather forecast for Daytona 500

National Meteorological Service

• Chance of rain (Sunday): 80 percent
• Risk of rain (Sunday evening): 80 percent
• High temperature: Nearly 77
• Low temperature: About 64

Forecasts from Sunday to February 14: “Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 pm. High near 77. Wind east 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest to southwest in the afternoon. probability of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation is between a quarter and a half of an inch possible. This evening showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 pm, then possibility of showers and thunderstorms between 8 pm and 11 pm h. Low around 64. Wind southerly around 5 mph calming down. Chance of precipitation 80%. Further precipitation is between tenth and quarter of an inch except higher amounts possible during a thunderstorm. “

12 February: “Showers and maybe a thunderstorm. High near 75. Wind southerly 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.” Next is a lower, although not insignificant, chance of rain that night: “30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 63. Wind southerly around 5 mph. “

The weather channel

• Chance of rain (Sunday): 80 percent
• Risk of rain (Sunday evening): 70 percent
• The winds: 5 to 10 mph
• High temperature: 76
• Low temperature: 65

Forecasts from Sunday to February 14: “Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming generalized this afternoon. Heavy showers are possible. A few thunderstorms can be severe. High 77F. Winds SSW 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Sky mostly cloudy. Thunderstorms Scattered this evening. Low around 65 F. Wind light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. “

12 February: The Weather Channel is a forecast similar to that of the National Weather Service: high risk of rain in the afternoon, followed by a less – but still noticeable – chance in the evening.

“Scattered thunderstorms in the morning becoming generalized in the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusting winds. High 76. Southerly winds at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.” Thereafter, “scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then partly cloudy overnight. Low near 65. Wind variable and light. Chance of rain 40 percent.”