AccuWeather Global Weather Center – January 10, 2024
AccuWeather expert meteorologists warn that extreme weather could crash multiple tailgating parties and football games as the NFL playoffs get underway, including some of the most highly-anticipated matchups of the weekend.
"There is going to be some of the worst weather we've ever seen on the opening weekend of playoffs," AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.
Coldest game in Miami, Kansas City History Possible On Saturday
Arctic air will usher in bone-chilling conditions across the Plains ahead of Saturday night's game as Kansas City hosts Miami, and it could become historically cold. The coldest football game in Miami history was 10 degrees, set back in 2008, and the coldest game in Kansas City history was 0.5 degrees, back in 1983, according to CBS.
"Evening temperatures likely drop below zero, and AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will likely be in the negative teens throughout the entirety of the game," AccuWeather Meteorologist Mike Youman said.
It will be so cold that fans who purchase beverages, including beer, could have their drinks freeze solid due to the extreme temperatures.
Coldest Game in NFL History?
The coldest game in NFL history, aptly named the "Ice Bowl" was played in Green Bay on Dec. 31, 1967, an infamous matchup when the temperature was 13 degrees below zero.
Blizzard in Buffalo on Sunday?
The first game slated for Sunday could face not just the worst weather of the weekend but the worst weather for any game this season, as bitterly cold air clashes with intense snowfall when Buffalo battles Pittsburgh.
"There's going to be a very narrow band of lake-effect snow. I think we have a real opportunity that this can come right into Orchard Park on Sunday, and if it does, you're going to be looking at 1-3 feet of snow," AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno explained. “Strong winds paired with the heavy snow could create whiteout conditions around Orchard Park, New York, on Sunday. In fact, it would be a blizzard with temperatures in the 20s, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures below zero.”
Pittsburgh fans making the journey from Pennsylvania to New York could face travel-snarling snow, and AccuWeather meteorologists recommend being prepared for emergencies if you get stuck on the road in the snowstorm.
"Give yourself an abundance of time to get from home to the stadium, and expect very slow-moving traffic as well as near zero visibility underneath the strongest lake-effect bands," AccuWeather Meteorologist Mike Youman said. "Have an emergency kit with you in case roads close and you’re stuck in your car."
AccuWeather experts noted that the NFL may even consider changing the time of the game due to the timing of the heavy lake-effect snow in Orchard Park.
