Arkansas vs Fordham weather updates: NCAA softball game enters lightning delay

TL;DR

The NCAA softball game between No. 5 seed Arkansas and Fordham has entered a lightning delay in the bottom of the second inning, with Arkansas leading 3-0. The delay follows NCAA rules that reset a 30-minute countdown for each lightning strike detected within six miles.

Key points

Arkansas vs Fordham game in lightning delay
Arkansas leading 3-0 in the second inning
NCAA rules on lightning delays

ArkansasFordhamNCAA Softball Tournament 2026

Weather didn't wait long to make her first appearance of the 2026 NCAA Softball Tournament.

No. 5 seed Arkansas and Fordham went into the first lightning delay of the postseason in the bottom of the second inning with the Razorbacks leading 3-0 of their Fayetteville Regional game.

REQUIRED READING: How long are lightning delays in NCAA Softball Tournament? Weather policy, explained

NCAA rules state that once lightning is detected in the area and the game goes into a lightning delay, it is either delayed or suspended for 30 minutes. The 30-minute clock resets for every lightning strike within a six-mile radius following the initial strike, meaning delays can extend for several hours.

Here's the latest weather updates:

Arkansas vs. Fordham weather updates

All times Eastern

6:28 p.m.: Arkansas confirms the weather delay. The game will resume with Ella McDowell up at that plate with the bases loaded and two outs once it is deemed okay for play to resume.

6:15 p.m.: Both teams were taken off the field due to lightning in the area. The teams' NCAA regional game between Arkansas and Fordham has gone into a lightning delay.

Fayetteville, Arkansas weather forecast

Here's an hour-by-hour weather forecast for Fayetteville, Arkansas, courtesy of AccuWeather:

Q&A

What are the NCAA rules for lightning delays in softball games?

NCAA rules state that once lightning is detected, the game is delayed or suspended for 30 minutes, with the clock resetting for each subsequent lightning strike within six miles.

How long can lightning delays last in NCAA softball tournaments?

Lightning delays can extend for several hours, as the 30-minute delay clock resets with each lightning strike detected nearby.

What was the score when the Arkansas vs Fordham game entered a lightning delay?

The score was 3-0 in favor of Arkansas when the game entered the lightning delay.