The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will take center stage on Sunday, Feb. 1, as the big game kicks off in Glendale, Arizona.
Hosted at University of Phoenix Stadium, more than 63,400 people will pack the enclosed venue for the biggest pro football game of the year.
As fans and enthusiasts flock to the Phoenix area, showers could dampen festivities leading up to the game. However, as Sunday unfolds, seasonable temperatures and sunshine will be the dominant factors.
"The Phoenix area will first endure wet and cool conditions by their standards," AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Maggie Samuhel said.
Showers will stretch into Saturday and could drop up to an inch of rain over the region.
Usual temperatures for this time of year hover near 70 F. Into Saturday, temperatures will hover in the mid-60s. However, with showers and abundant clouds, AccuWeather RealFeel® temperatures could hit closer to the 60 F mark.
Those attending outdoor events leading up to the game can keep track incoming rain by using MinuteCast® to stay alert of rapidly changing conditions.
As thousands of fans surge the stadium and tailgates leading up to the 6:30 p.m. EST kickoff, dry conditions will return.
"The storm will depart just in time for the game," Samuhel said.
Temperatures will rebound to the upper 60s and sunshine will fill the skies on Sunday, making for ideal conditions to leave the venue's retractable roof open.
Scott Norton, director of marketing & public relations for University of Phoenix Stadium, said it is entirely up to the NFL whether or not the roof will be open. The NFL announced they plan to keep the roof open unless there is inclement weather.
The Patriots (12-4) will be making their eighth big game appearance, last taking home the championship in 2004. The Seattle Seahawks (12-4) enter the game as defending champions after winning last year's big game in New Jersey.
As New England recovers from the first blizzard to hit the Northeast in 2015, Boston airports returned to normal operations on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Boston Logan International Airport previously announced they added extra flights to Phoenix in order to accommodate fans flocking southwest to attend the game.
A clipper storm hitting the Northeast into the latter part of the week could cause some disruptions for pre-game travel. Across the country, a dry pattern in Seattle stretching throughout the weekend should make for easy air travel to Arizona.
As fans begin to journey home Monday, temperatures in the Phoenix area will continue to rebound, reaching above the 70 F mark. Skies should remain clear and sunny.
For returning flights back to New England, a storm set to unravel into early next week could bring some travel concerns.
"The storm may lead to delays and cancellations," AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.
Those returning to the Pacific Northwest could fly into cloudy, rainy conditions through Tuesday.
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