I still remember the first time I saw an entire NFL game cancelled because of the weather. It was one of the most surreal experiences I’ve ever had. As a lifelong fan of the sport, it was fascinating and a bit heartbreaking to see, and it started me thinking about whether a game can actually be called off due to inclement weather.
It turns out that the NFL does have guidelines in place when it comes to weather conditions and whether a game can be postponed, suspended or cancelled. Generally speaking, the decision to call a game off due to inclement weather is based on many factors, including the current conditions of the field, the severity of the wind and rain, and the potential for lightning.
What’s interesting is that teams aren’t just relying on their own judgment-they rely heavily on the National Weather Service to monitor things like lightning and wind speed. The NFL will then decided if conditions are safe enough to play and will work with both teams in order to postpone, suspend or cancel the game if necessary.
In terms of actual numbers, the NFL requires wind speeds of no more than 15 mph and a steady downpour of rain lasting no longer than 10 minutes. The league also uses showelines during rain delays, and these lines are 20 feet wide and are used to determine the severity and continuity of the rainfall in a particular area.
Even though the NFL has these guidelines in place, cancelling a game due to weather isn’t always easy. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the safety and well-being of players and fans, and the NFL takes that into account when making a final decision. In the end, however, the league does have the power to put the safety of everyone ahead of the game.
There are certain situations where a game can still be called off even if conditions appear to be safe. For example, the league can decide to postpone or suspend a game if there’s a threat of a major storm in the area, such as a hurricane. Additionally, the NFL can even suspend or postpone a game due to extreme temperatures if it’s felt that conditions are dangerous.
Finally, the NFL has made some adjustments in recent years to help minimize the risk of weather-related postponements. For instance, the league has instituted a “flexible scheduling” which allows the schedule to be adjusted in order to avoid potentially dangerous weather-related games. Additionally, teams are encouraged to provide additional seating and shelter for fans in case of delays or cancellations.
Overall, it’s clear that the NFL takes the safety of its players and fans very seriously, and the league will go to great lengths to make sure that its games take place without interruption. Though it’s always unfortunate when a game is cancelled due to inclement weather, it’s good to know that the NFL is taking steps to ensure safety and minimize the risk of postponements.