The days are getting shorter and the nights are not as muggy. This means
that we are officially heading into the best time of the year, autumn and
football season. After going from one of the driest stretches of weather
that Happy Valley has seen in over two years, some midweek rainfall has a
few worried for the first game of the year at Beaver Stadium. Well just like
the anticipated scoring outcome against Coastal Carolina, there shouldn't be
too much to worry about for this game.
The midweek rainfall will taper to showers for Friday and I believe the
precipitation should be done for Saturday. Though, there is still a front
moving in from the west early Saturday which means that a brief shower or
thunderstorm can not be absolutely ruled out. That being said, the odds of
something passing over the stadium area are extremely low.
I believe the
biggest worry with the weather is going to be something else, the warmth.
Temperatures on Saturday should peak out near the 80 degree mark. While that
may not seem too hot to the average person, anyone who has been to the
stadium on a day with sunshine knows that anything over the mid-60s with
sunshine can feel hot. The good news is that the high won't occur until
after everyone gets to the parking lots at the conclusion of the game. The
bad news is that the noon sun will be high and strong with only limited
shadow locations. Therefore, lightweight and light-colored clothing is
suggested along with sunscreen and keeping yourself well hydrated. With my
experience with the First Aid people at the stadium, there are more help
calls on these warm games than in the cold ones.
I have had people jest about our first opponent, asking me which will be
higher, Penn State's score or the temperature. While, it's tempting, I will
have to take the side of Mother Nature on this one.
Go Lions.
Joe Murgo is a 1990 graduate of Penn State and the Chief Meterologist for WTAJ-TV and WeAreCentralPA.com.
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