NFL Draft weather updates: Latest forecast for rainy Day 3 in Pittsburgh

NFL Draft weather updates: Latest forecast for rainy Day 3 in Pittsburgh originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Day 3 of the NFL Draft arguably separates the true die-hards from the ordinary fans. Some will stand around the stage in Pittsburgh to hear 157 names called, even though most of the high-impact players were already selected on one of the draft's first two days.

Those fans know, though, that Super Bowl teams can fill important gaps and find gems on Day 3. With football still months away, it's also their last chance until late summer to put their passion on full display.

Fans who show up in Pittsburgh might not deal with the most ideal weather conditions, either.

Here's what you need to know about the potential for rain at Day 3 of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

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NFL Draft weather updates

The forecast for Pittsburgh was initially bleak, with rain and potentially even thunderstorms expected to roll through in the afternoon. Fortunately, it's looking better as of late Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service still forecasts "likely" showers and thunderstorms after 12 p.m., which is the Day 3 start time, but the chance of rain starts to drop considerably after 1 p.m.

The Weather Channel agrees, as Pittsburgh has a 62 percent chance of rain at 12 p.m. with a band expected to pass through, but that chance dips below 15 percent from 1 p.m. onward. That means only the first hour of the draft should be seriously impacted by rain.

Here's what you need to know about the rain's chances of actually affecting the draft.

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Will the NFL Draft be delayed?

The NFL Draft does take place in an outdoor venue, but with the stage itself covered, it will happen rain or shine.

Thunder and lightning could theoretically cause the NFL to clear fans from exposed areas near the stage, but as of now, some light rain during the early portion of the draft likely won't be enough to change the league's plans in any way.

The fans standing around and watching the draft's final four rounds are there because they are passionate, and it's hard to imagine some rain ruining their day as they welcome the rest of the 2026 draft class into the NFL.