Atlanta Motor Speedway Race Day Weather Forecast: Afternoon Update

Little to no change in my thinking on the forecast for tonight. Many of my Twitter followers ask, “What’s the likelihood we get the NASCAR race in Sunday night?” Optimistically, I think we have a 20-30 percent chance of getting this race started and to halfway, based on some of the data I am seeing.

As of midday, rain was falling at Atlanta Motor Speedway and more rain was moving in from the southwest and also forming out around the track.

Rain is expected to increase as the afternoon wears on and as we head into the evening. Here are the latest model images for 8 p.m. EDT. Click on image to enlarge.

I cannot speak for NASCAR and I don’t know how they will handle Sunday night’s race if it gets rained out.

More than likely they would do what they have in the past and reschedule it for sometime Monday. Unfortunately, the forecast for Monday is not much better with more rain likely.

Another concern for Monday is a risk for storms producing isolated tornadoes across central and northern Georgia; you can read more from the National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook for the area.

Another concern is how will Atlanta Motor Speedway handle so much rain over the next 24 to 36 hours. Rain will continue into Tuesday morning before drying out as Lee moves off to the north and northeast. It may be possible to get a race in on Tuesday afternoon and evening looking at the current forecast.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON:
Cloudy with off and on light rain showers, temperatures 75 to 80.

SUNDAY RACE FORECAST:
7:30 p.m EDT
Sprint Cup Race – Showers and storms likely continuing and increasing through the evening and overnight – temp: 76

MONDAY:
Cloudy with rain and isolated thunderstorms, rain will be at heavy a times. Rain amounts could be 1 to 2 inches.

TUESDAY:
Areas of showers and isolated storms, mainly Tuesday morning, could see some clearing and drying late in the day and into Tuesday evening. Highs 75 to near 80.