What's the weather for the Rolex 24 at Daytona? Rain early, but will it last?
Jackets, beanies, gloves and scarves were the norm at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 this past weekend at Daytona International Speedway.
Temperatures barely peaked above 50 with a strong, prevailing wind wreaking havoc as well, and the smell of burning firewood wafted throughout the infield. Drivers agreed that the cold snap led to historically fast speeds during Rolex 24 qualifying on Sunday, with track records being shattered.
But we've got good news for this weekend: Plenty of speed, and even better: much more favorable conditions for race fans!
Starting on Wednesday and going through Sunday, high temperatures are supposed to reach, and stay, in the mid-70s according to the latest forecast from The Weather Channel. And for those worried about staying warm in the night hours, need not worry, lows will get no colder than the low 60s until Sunday night, long after the 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona has concluded.
ROLEX 24 SCHEDULE: Mazda, Michelin Endurance races lead to 62nd running of Rolex 24 at Daytona
And while a pop-up rain shower is always a possibility in Florida, the chance of precipitation never gets above 20% from Wednesday through Sunday, with partly cloudy skies projected over the duration of Rolex 24 week.
Should the current forecast hold, leave the cold-weather gear in the camper. We may just get the perfect conditions for a perfect week at the World Center of Racing.
What's the weather in Daytona Beach? Saturday, Jan. 27
High temperature: 76
Low temperature: 68
Chance of rain: 13%
Wind: 8 mph SSW
Sunday, Jan. 28
High temperature: 74
Low temperature: 50
Chance of rain: 17%
Wind: 10 mph W
When is the Rolex 24?
Start time: 1:40 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27
End time: 1:40 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28
How to watch: All 24 hours on Peacock. 1:30-2:30 p.m. (NBC). 2:30-8 p.m. (USA). 10 p.m.-midnight (USA). 6 a.m.-noon (USA). Noon-2 p.m. (NBC)
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona Beach weather: A morning mist falling at the Rolex 24
