The Washington state meteorology bureau has issued a thunderstorm and heavy rain warning ahead of the World Cup group match between the Iranian and Egyptian national teams, to be played in Seattle on June 27.
Weather forecast
Washington State Assistant Climatologist Karin Bumbako said that over the past two weeks, when World Cup matches have been played, Seattle has been warmer and drier than normal, but the weather will change soon.
According to a weather forecast prepared for law enforcement and written by climatologists, heavy rain starting on Friday morning will ease during the day but will not stop completely. The chance of thunderstorms throughout the day is up to 20 percent. Experts also predict rain, cool air, and winds of up to 11 meters per second.
The assessment stated, "The possibility of thunderstorms over the event area cannot be ruled out."
Stadium's lack of roof and risks
Seattle is known as one of the rainiest cities in the U.S. where sporting events are held. The pitch of Lumen Field Stadium, where the match will be played and which has been converted to FIFA standards, is completely open, and only two-thirds of the stands are protected from rain.
Time restriction for Iran
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has informed the Iranian national team that it must leave the country by the end of match day. The team has just over four hours for the match, recovery, and transportation to the airport. The match will start at 8:00 p.m. local time, which is 6:00 a.m. on June 27 Turkish time.
Earlier, the France-Iraq match played in Philadelphia was stopped for more than two hours due to heavy rain.
Iran's situation in the group
Iran, sitting in second place with four points after two draws, aims to overtake group leader Egypt, who is one point ahead, to advance to the next round. Iran's head coach, Amir Galenoi, said after the previous match, which ended in a draw with Belgium, that the treatment of the team affected the results. The time from the start of the previous match to the players' departure from the stadium was approximately four and a half hours.
World Cup format
The World Cup is being held for the first time with the participation of 48 national teams and in three countries: the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will end on July 19.
