2013 Masters weather forecast: Storms threaten the first two rounds

A cold front will bring a chance showers and storms to Augusta National Golf Club for the first two rounds of the Masters. While rain is likely late Thursday into early Friday, the impact on the Master should be fairly minimal because of the timing of these showers and storms.

While the cold front is not expected to cross Augusta, Georgia until late Thursday night, early Friday morning clusters and cells of thunderstorms are possible in the late afternoon and early evening. These will be more of the hit or miss variety but a storm or two could threaten Augusta National with winds, rain and lightning for the groups that go out later in the day. Some of these storms have the potential to be severe with damaging winds, hail and even a small chance of an isolated tornado. The storm prediction center has most of the Southeastern United States in a Slight Risk for severe weather today and tonight.

The worst of the storms and showers will take place during the overnight and into early Friday morning. Some storms could be strong and potentially severe. The good news is most of the activity takes place between today’s first round and Friday’s second round.

There could be a few lingering showers and storms during the morning on Friday. This looks like the best time to see rain on the second day of the Masters. As we go into the afternoon the cold front will continue to push east away from Augusta National, but an isolated shower or storm is still possible.

The weather forecast for the last two round Saturday and Sunday look spectacular. Lots of sunshine, generally light winds and afternoon high temperatures near 80.

A detailed forecast for today and Friday can be found below, all times are eastern.

Conditions in August, GA: Click here for Current Weather Conditions | Look at Doppler Radar | Mobile Friendly Site | Mobile Radar

I am a certified broadcast meteorologist and regular weather contributor for SBNation.com for NFL and NASCAR. You can follow me this weekend on Twitter @NASCAR_WXMAN or on Facebook.