Will rain stay in the Cubs’ opening day forecast? Here’s what we know – NBC Chicago

The Chicago Cubs take on the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field, but will Mother Nature cooperate and allow the game to go ahead as planned?

The first pitch is scheduled for 1:20 p.m., with Marcus Stroman on the rubber for the North Siders as they look to get their season off to a flying start.

As for this weather forecast, it looks like things will remain dry, albeit cloudy, as the game begins. Winds will blow from the southeast, toward the left field foul post, but conditions will be mostly cloudy and gusty early in the game.

According to the latest models from the NBC 5 Storm team, it looks like the game will go as planned, with rain not expected to arrive in the area until late evening.

Temperatures will be below their seasonal normals, with the playing temperature in the 40s and wind chill in the 30s on the first pitch.

The Cubs are lucky their opener hasn’t been set for Friday, as the risk of severe weather looms in the late afternoon and evening forecast.

The Storm Prediction Center says the area is at a “slight” risk of severe weather, with heavy downpours, damaging winds and even the possibility of tornadoes coming to the area as the evening progresses.

After those storms leave, a cold front will usher in cool temperatures on Saturday, so those heading into the Friendly Confines will need to regroup as the highs will likely struggle to break out of the 40s.

Sunday should be warmer and more pleasant, with highs in the 50s.

Be sure to follow the latest developments on the NBC 5 app, or you can check out the latest predictions on the station’s 24/7 news service.