Weather Data Source: South Carolina Weather

Thunderstorms Threaten Masters Second Round Play

Augusta National Golf Club with dark clouds indicating impending rain

Augusta, Georgia, August 20, 2025

News Summary

The second round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club may encounter weather-related delays due to expected thunderstorms. Rain chances range from 50 to 65 percent overnight into Friday morning. Players could be required to evacuate the course during severe weather, with historical precedents indicating potential extended play into Saturday or even a rare Monday finish. Forecasts improve for the weekend, promising better playing conditions.

Augusta, Georgia – The second round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club may face significant weather delays due to thunderstorms expected to arrive overnight on Thursday. With a 50 to 65 percent chance of rain projected from midnight through 3 a.m., and another storm front anticipated around 4 a.m., early tee times on Friday could be severely affected by rain and lightning.

The Augusta forecast indicates a final chance of rain at 9 a.m. on Friday, coinciding with the start of the first tee time set for 7:40 a.m. If thunderstorms occur, which have a 50 percent overall likelihood between midnight and 10 a.m., players and spectators may need to evacuate the course for safety. Wind conditions are also expected to worsen throughout the day, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph by Friday afternoon.

Historically, weather-related delays have impacted the Masters. In 2024, the first day was delayed by 2.5 hours, underscoring the unpredictable nature of spring weather in Georgia. To combat adverse conditions, Augusta National employs a SubAir System designed to quickly dry the greens, which may be activated before the commencement of the second round.

Additionally, AccuWeather forecasts a 44 percent chance of rain on Friday, with a 14 percent chance of thunderstorms. High temperatures for the day are expected to reach 71 degrees, with prevailing westerly winds clocked at 16 mph and gusts peaking at 39 mph.

If substantial delays occur during the second round on Friday, players may need to finish their rounds on Saturday. The cut for the top 50 players and ties will take place after the completion of this round, adding urgency to the situation. Historic instances provide context; Saturday finishes have been recorded in 1936, 1938, 1939, and 2003. Furthermore, if the situation deteriorates significantly, the Masters may necessitate a Monday finish, a rare occurrence that has happened five times, with the last instance noted in 1983.

Looking ahead, the weather forecast for Saturday shows promising conditions with a mere 5 percent chance of rain and a high temperature of 65 degrees. Sunday is predicted to be even more favorable, featuring a zero percent chance of rain and a high of 71 degrees, which bodes well for the final day of play.

Weather Forecast Summary

  • Thursday Night: Thunderstorms expected around midnight, 50 to 65 percent chance of rain until 3 a.m.
  • Friday Morning: Chance of storms remains large (50%), with potential rain at 9 a.m.
  • Wind Conditions: Increasing winds expected, up to 20 mph by Friday afternoon.
  • Friday High Temperature: Anticipated high of 71 degrees.
  • Saturday Forecast: 5 percent chance of rain, high of 65 degrees.
  • Sunday Forecast: Zero percent chance of rain, high of 71 degrees.

Potential Impact on Tournament Schedule

Event Date Notes
Second Round Friday May face delays due to thunderstorms; possibility of extended play into Saturday.
Cut for Top 50 Players Friday Pending completion of the second round.
Saturday Finish Possible Historical precedents noted (1936, 1938, 1939, 2003).
Monday Finish Possible Last occurrence in 1983.

FAQ

What is the chance of rain during the Masters’ second round?

There is a 50 percent overall chance of thunderstorms and showers between midnight and 10 a.m. on Friday.

How does rain affect play during the tournament?

Lightning and severe weather could lead to delays in play, necessitating the evacuation of the course for safety reasons.

What does the weather forecast look like for the weekend?

Saturday is forecasted to have a 5 percent chance of rain with a high of 65 degrees, while Sunday shows a zero percent chance of rain with a high of 71 degrees.

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Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

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