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Tailgate forecast: Soggy Southeast, and heat returns for the West

Heavy rain will soak tailgates from Houston to New York as scorching heat grips Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas.

Faiza Mohammed
ByFaiza Mohammed•
3 days agoUpdated: October 4, 2026, 2:27 pm EDTPublished: October 2, 2026, 6:06 am EDT
People tailgating under canopy tents in a rain-soaked parking lot

People tailgating under canopy tents in a rain-soaked parking lot.

(Boston Globe/Getty Images)

NFL games this weekend could see soggy conditions in the Southeast, while the heat will be scorching in the West, where Los Angeles and Las Vegas could see triple digits return. The South is also seeing a return of warmth, though milder, with temperatures in the 80s.

The Midwest and Northeast are cooling off, but rain remains an issue for the Northeast.

Here's what fans need to know so they are ready for NFL Sunday.

(WEATHER LABS: Football tailgate forecasts)

Sunday

Here's where the weather could impact games today.

(MORE: The top 10 weather games in NFL history)

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Rain will be a factor for several NFL tailgates, especially in parts of the Northeast, where saturated ground remains an issue after last week's nor'easter:

  • Titans at Ravens
  • Cardinals at Giants
  • Rams at Eagles
  • Packers at Buccaneers

Fans attending these tailgates should plan for the rain throughout the day well ahead of the games.

(MORE: October heat wave brings scorching temperatures to millions in West)

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In the West, Las Vegas turns into a scorcher, with San Francisco also seeing warmer-than-usual conditions.

The Denver Broncos face the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara while the Kansas City Chiefs face the Las Vegas Raiders. If you're planning to attend tailgates in these regions, please be sure to take breaks in the shade and stay hydrated.

(MORE: Heat safety & prep)

The Midwest and Northeast will cool off on Sunday, offering a break from recent heat, while the Southeast holds onto its warmth without reaching extremes.

Tampa Bay will face dual threat of scattered showers and scorching temperatures in the upper 90s.

(MORE: The ultimate tailgate playbook for every football forecast)

Tailgate safety: know your forecast, stay aware

Whether you're facing heat or storms this weekend, staying aware of changing conditions — and having a plan to adjust — is the best way to stay safe at your tailgate.

  • Check the forecast for your specific tailgate location and arrival time, not just the daily high, since conditions can shift significantly between morning setup and kickoff
  • Heat safety: Stay hydrated, seek shade whenever possible, take breaks in air conditioning if available and know the signs of heat exhaustion — dizziness, heavy sweating and nausea
  • Storm safety: Monitor local radar in the hours before and during your tailgate, since storm timing can shift quickly
  • Lightning safety: If thunder roars, go indoors — a hard-topped vehicle counts if no building is nearby. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before heading back outside
  • Secure your setup: Tents, canopies and loose gear should be tied down or ready to pack up quickly if storms move in

Faiza Mohammed is a meteorologist intern at weather.com. She studied geography and worked with the Weather Dawgs team at the University of Georgia. She also received her master's in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

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