By Doug Schneider
Showers and thunderstorms are likely in the Daytona area on Friday and Saturday afternoon and evening, which may have an impact on the IMSA WeatherTech240. Not much has changed in the expected weather pattern since my initial forecast on Monday. There will be a slow-moving low pressure system across the Deep South with a weak front near northern Florida. Since Daytona will be on the southern side of this system, hot and humid conditions can be expected during the event. Not too surprising for Daytona in July.
The chance of rain has increased a little on Friday as it looks like the front will be closer to Daytona than the models previously showed. Highs will reach the lower 90s, with a heat index around 100. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop in the area, and any of them could produce a brief heavy downpour. The only on track activity on Friday is a practice session from 6:15 to 7:15 pm, which is during the time frame when storms are possible. If a storm passes over the Speedway, a quick quarter to half inch of rain will be possible, along with gusty winds and frequent lightning.
Saturday looks pretty similar to Friday, although there may be a little more cloud cover to hold temperatures down a little bit, but it will still reach 90 degrees. Like Friday, numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop in the afternoon and linger into the evening. Heavy downpours, gusty winds, and lightning are possible with any storms that pass over the Speedway.
If you're at the track, stay weather aware and have a plan to find sturdy shelter before storms reach the Speedway.
The chance of rain has increased a little on Friday as it looks like the front will be closer to Daytona than the models previously showed. Highs will reach the lower 90s, with a heat index around 100. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop in the area, and any of them could produce a brief heavy downpour. The only on track activity on Friday is a practice session from 6:15 to 7:15 pm, which is during the time frame when storms are possible. If a storm passes over the Speedway, a quick quarter to half inch of rain will be possible, along with gusty winds and frequent lightning.
Saturday looks pretty similar to Friday, although there may be a little more cloud cover to hold temperatures down a little bit, but it will still reach 90 degrees. Like Friday, numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop in the afternoon and linger into the evening. Heavy downpours, gusty winds, and lightning are possible with any storms that pass over the Speedway.
If you're at the track, stay weather aware and have a plan to find sturdy shelter before storms reach the Speedway.
