The Washington state weather bureau has issued a thunderstorm and heavy rain warning ahead of the World Cup group match between the national teams of Iran and Egypt, to be played in Seattle on June 27.
Weather forecast
Karin Bumbako, Assistant Washington State Climatologist, said that Seattle has been warmer and drier than normal over the past two weeks of World Cup matches, but the weather will change soon.
According to the weather forecast prepared for law enforcement and written by climate scientists, heavy rain starting 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 a thunderstorm 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 US hosting sporting events. The pitch of Lumen Field Stadium, which has been converted to FIFA standards for the match, is completely open, and only two-thirds of the stands are protected from rain.
Time restriction for Iran
The US 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 transport to the airport. The match will start at 8:00 PM local time, which is 6:00 AM 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 position in the group
Iran, sitting in second place with four points after two draws, aims to overtake group leader Egypt, who are one point ahead, to advance to the next round. Iran head coach Amir Galenoi had said after the previous match, 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 48 national teams participating and across three countries: the US, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will end on July 19.
