Behind the Forecast: How weather could affect the Super Bowl

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - The Super Bowl is the biggest football game of the year, so, of course, all eyes are always on the forecast.

This year, the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs will face off in Miami, so the potential for nice weather is certainly higher. The Hard Rock Stadium does have an open roof canopy. While it may protect fans from the sun and rain, the field is still open to the elements.

Thankfully, winter precipitation is not a concern for Sunday’s game; thank you, Florida weather.

Before you place your bets, here’s how the weather can play a big role in an outdoor football game. Rain makes the ball slicker, which may increase incomplete passes and turnovers. Players may adjust by wearing gloves to improve their grip. Rain also makes a field more slippery, especially if it’s natural grass.

A low sun angle can impact a player's vision, causing incomplete passes and turnovers.

Pay attention to wind speed and direction during the big game. It can cause the ball to travel less against it and further with it. Don't blame the kicker or the quarterback if the ball seems to drift a little when flying through the air; it may just be the wind.

Teams don't play during thunderstorms due to the lightning threat.

Cold and hot temperatures can affect players too! Hot temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, cramping, and even heat stroke if the situation is allowed to become serious enough. The cold can make it harder to throw and catch the ball.

The cold affects not just the players but the ball too. A football can deflate by 0.2 PSI for each 10-degree drop into temperature when it is brought outdoors.

According to experts, the 49ers have not dealt with rain well. When they played the Washington Redskins, they ran the ball 39 times and only picked up 137 yards. Their quarterback passed for just 146 yards. They won that game 9-0.

By the way, there's only been one Super Bowl game played in the rain and that game was in Miami in 2007. That resulted in eight turnovers but did grant us the awesome sight of Prince performing Purple Rain in the rain.

Thankfully, the forecast for the 2020 Super Bowl looks pleasant. Sunday in Miami should feature a high near 70° and plenty of sunshine. Temperatures closer to kickoff should be sitting in the mid to upper 60s. Gusty winds should calm by the time the game starts.

This is the 11th time that the Super Bowl will be played in Miami.