Winter is here, and with it is coming a sizeable snow and ice storm that is expected to impact large swaths of the United States.
Millions of Americans are already under advisories for cold weather and dangerous ice conditions in addition to the oncoming snow. More than two dozen states are in the line of the developing storm, from Texas up through the Northeast, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
The exact path of the storm isn’t yet clear. However, at present, it isn’t expected to have an impact on either of this weekend’s NFL playoff contests. The AFC and NFC championship games are being played in cities that are presently out of the predicted path of the storm.
Here’s what to know about the forecast for the AFC and NFC championship games as the United States gears up for a major winter storm.
Where is the AFC championship game?
The AFC championship game is set to be in Denver this season. The Broncos earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC, so Empower Field at Mile High Stadium will be the site for their game against the New England Patriots.
The Broncos last hosted the AFC championship game during the 2015 NFL playoffs, which were played in 2016. It was 46 degrees with 6 mph of wind at kickoff of the contest, per Pro Football Reference, which Denver won 20-18 over New England.
AFC championship game weather forecast
Conditions for the AFC championship game in Denver are expected to be relatively benign, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Below is a full breakdown of the agency’s early-week forecast for the Jan. 25 game between the Broncos and Patriots:
- High temperature: 31 degrees
- Low temperature: 12 degrees
- Chance of precipitation: TBD
- Wind: TBD
The Broncos vs. Patriots game is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. ET, which is 1 p.m. locally in Denver. Temperatures will be below freezing for Sunday’s game, but the lowest temperatures won’t happen until the evening.
As such, the teams will dodge the worst of Sunday’s cold while the band of snow crossing the country is not expected to impact the game. No precipitation is currently listed among the NWS forecast for Jan. 25.
Where is the NFC championship game?
The NFC championship game will be played in Seattle. The Seahawks earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed and have the right to host the conference title game after thrashing the 49ers 41-6 in the divisional round of the playoffs.
The Seahawks last hosted the NFC championship game during the 2014 NFL playoffs, which were contested in 2015. It was 52 degrees at kickoff with 15 mph winds blowing, according to Pro Football Reference.
The Seahawks beat the Packers 28-22 in overtime. Russell Wilson helped lead Seattle to a come-from-behind victory after Packers tight end Brandon Bostick failed to handle an onside kick late in regulation of the conference championship game.
NFC championship game forecast
Sunday’s NFC championship game will also be played amid mild conditions, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Below is a full breakdown of the agency’s early-week forecast for the Jan. 25 game between the Seahawks and Rams:
- High temperature: 45 degrees
- Low temperature: 34 degrees
- Chance of precipitation: TBD
- Wind: TBD
The NWS notes there is ‘a slight chance of rain before 10 p.m.’ but it isn’t yet clear whether that will intersect with the game.
The Seahawks vs. Rams game is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET, which is 3:30 p.m. locally in Seattle.