The Masters 2024: Thunderstorms predicted to affect first round

The first round of the 88th Masters Tournament could be affected by inclement weather as heavy rain and thunderstorms are predicted on Thursday.

After dry conditions over the three tournament practice days, including for the start of the family-friendly Par 3 Contest on the eve of the first men’s Major of the year, the weather is set to change overnight and into the early morning.

There is a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms prior to 1 pm, with wind gusts of 40-45 mph between 8am and noon (all local times).

Adverse weather delay has forced at least one suspension in play in each of the past five editions of The Masters, with last year’s winner Jon Rahm required to play 30 holes on the final day due to earlier disruptions.  

This year’s tournament is due to get underway around 7.45am, with honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson hitting the ceremonial tee shots, before the first group is scheduled to go off at 8am.

A Masters Tournament weather update published on Wednesday read: “A cold front is forecast to bring a band of rain and scattered thunderstorms through the region between 6 a.m.-1 p.m. ET Thursday. Heavy rainfall and occasional wind gusts of 40-45 mph are anticipated over this period.

"A lull in precipitation should occur behind the cold front between 1-4 p.m. ET before scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms drift back into the region for the late afternoon and evening hours.

“Windy conditions persist Friday under mostly sunny skies as a dry and stable airmass settles into the area. Mostly sunny skies can be expected through the weekend with west to southwesterly winds in the 7-15 mph range.”

Thursday is expected to be the only day which could be affected with drier and less humid conditions set to arrive on Friday.

The weather over the weekend is predicted to be sunny and warm.

Here is a day-by-day breakdown of the official Masters Tournament weather forecast:

Thursday: Mostly cloudy with a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms prior to 1PM. Partly cloudy with a 40% chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms after 4PM.

Forecast rainfall: 1.25-1.75”. Wind gusts of 40-45 mph between 8AM-12PM. Low: 65F High: 77F Winds: S shifting SW 15-25 G 30-35 mph

Friday: Mostly sunny and windy. Noticeably less humid. Low: 54F High: 72F Winds: W 15-20 G 30 mph

Saturday: Mostly sunny and warm. Low: 49F High: 78F Winds: WNW turning W 7-15 mph

Sunday: Mostly sunny and warm. Low: 53F High: 84F Winds: W turning SW 7-15 mph