Showers, thunderstorms to threaten play at French Open later this week

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather meteorologist

May 31,2017, 7:50:04AM,EDT

 

 

After a warm and largely dry start to the 2017 French Open earlier this week, a storm system will bring an increased risk for showers and thunderstorms Friday and Saturday.
The French Open is the only tournament in the Grand Slam system that plays on a clay court, and various weather conditions can have a huge impact. Any amount of rain or moisture can drastically change how the court plays.
These showers and thunderstorms could result in the first delays of the tournament this year.

The 2016 French Open was hindered by multiple delays as well as the first complete cancellation since 2000.
Prior to the threat for showers and thunderstorms Friday and Saturday, unseasonable warmth will prevail Thursday.
The high temperature will be near 27 C (80 F) during the afternoon hours. The normal high temperature is 21 C (70 F).
Temperatures will remain unseasonably warm Friday with highs reaching 27-28 C (80-82 F).
The day is expected to start off dry, however, there will be an increasing risk for showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon as a cold front approaches the area.
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The speed of this front will determine if showers and thunderstorms continue to threaten play throughout the day Saturday, or if the rainfall shifts to the south and east sparing the tournament from any potential delays.
Regardless of rainfall, Saturday will be a cooler day with a high temperature near 22 C (72 F).
Dry and seasonable weather is expected Sunday before the threat for rainfall increases again early next week.
The potential exists for above-normal warmth to build back into the area during the second half of next week.