Norway – Senegal under weather threat: the match could be disrupted
As the clash between Senegal and Norway approaches, part of the second matchday of the 2026 World Cup group stage, concerns are growing about the weather conditions forecasted in the New York area. Both teams are gearing up for a crucial encounter in the qualification race, but the weather might play a significant role in how the event unfolds. Several international media outlets are reporting a real risk of disruptions, even a temporary halt to the match in the event of dangerous thunderstorms.
According to information from the Spanish daily Marca, the relevant authorities and FIFA are closely monitoring the situation.
The latest weather forecasts indicate a significant risk of thunderstorms with lightning in the area. International competition safety protocols impose strict measures when lightning is detected near a stadium. In such a scenario, the match could be paused until conditions are safe for players, officials, and fans.
The American weather services have also issued several alerts throughout the day. New York’s official emergency services accounts have urged the public and fans to closely follow the weather developments. Authorities recommend staying vigilant against the risks of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and gusty winds that could impact a large part of the metropolitan area. This communication has quickly raised questions about the normal continuation of the match between the Lions of Teranga and the Norwegian team.
According to the weather bulletin for the day, rain is expected to start in the morning and continue into the evening. Forecasters predict about an 85% chance of rain across the city. Light to moderate showers are expected during the early hours, before isolated thunderstorms develop in some areas. While these initial disturbances don’t seem likely to prevent the match from going ahead, they indicate a gradual deterioration of atmospheric conditions.
However, the most sensitive period is expected in the afternoon and early evening. Meteorologists forecast the passage of several thunderstorm cells across the region between 2 PM and 7 PM. Some could become locally strong and be accompanied by frequent lightning. Between 7 PM and 10 PM, the risk of intense showers and more severe thunderstorms would increase further. Rainfall amounts could reach between 1.25 and 2 inches in several areas, with peaks of up to 2.75 inches locally.
Rain moves in around 10 AM today and remains through the evening. There is an 85% chance of rain across the city.
Expect light rain through early afternoon, with scattered thunderstorms developing over the northern parts of the city. The forecast calls for scattered storms…
— NYC Emergency Management (@nycemergencymgt) June 22, 2026
Experts are also concerned about episodes of torrential rain that could cause flash floods. In some places, the intensity of rainfall could exceed 38 millimeters per hour. Additionally, gusty winds could complicate playing conditions. While average winds are expected to range between 10 and 15 km/h, some thunderstorm cells could generate gusts between 60 and 80 km/h. For now, the match has not been postponed and remains scheduled as planned. However, FIFA is on alert and may take action depending on how the weather conditions evolve in the coming hours.
