PGA Championship forecast: Rochester weather includes possible weekend rain; first round delayed
Weather has already impacted the first round of the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York, and could continue to be a concern for golfers and fans this weekend.
Western New York was blanketed by a freeze warning Thursday morning, forcing the major championship into a delayed start at 8:50 a.m. ET. The warning, issued by the National Weather Service, ended at 8 a.m. ET Thursday in Monroe County, where Oak Hill is located.
Forecasts in the area indicated cold temperatures and gusty winds might be the primary worry earlier in the tournament, with a possibility of rain on Saturday.
Western New York's weather is notoriously unpredictable this time of year, so some of these details could change, but here's a look the the forecast for this year's PGA Championship.
Thursday: First round impacted by frost delay
Frost prompted the temporary closure of all practice facilities and the golf course at Oak Hill Country Club Thursday morning as the start time was pushed back to 8:50 a.m. ET.
Widespread frost was expected, accompanied by sub-freezing temperatures in the low 30s, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo. A freeze warning was in effect until 8 a.m. Thursday for several counties in western New York, including the Rochester region.
"It'll be a chilly start in the morning," weather service meteorologist Liz Jurkowski said of golfers and those attending the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club.
Once the frost clears, it should be a pleasant day with high temperatures in the mid 60s and light and variable winds becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Thursday night will remain clear with winds picking up from the south, gusts could reach 22 mph.
PGA Championship 2023 live updates: First round delayed by frost at Oak Hill Country Club
Friday: Second round
The second round should be played under sunny skies with high temperatures in the upper 70s − perfect golf weather. Wind on Friday is expected to be out of the south at 14 to 16 mph.
Late Friday night is when the forecast includes the first chance of rain.
Saturday: Third round
Moving day will come with a 70% chance of rain in the forecast, with showers likely beginning after 8 a.m. Thunderstorms are also possible in the afternoon.
High temperatures should reach the upper 60s in the day, with temperatures falling into the lower 50s under partly cloudy skies in the evening.
Sunday: Final round
The early forecast for the final round for mostly sunny skies with a high in the low 70s.
Rochester weather watches and warnings
National weather radar
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rochester, NY, weather: PGA Championship forecast has frost, rain
