Looking for today’s MLB weather forecast? This edition of MLB Rain Delay Watch covers all 15 games on Friday’s slate with delay risk assessments, DFS implications, and betting weather impacts.
Today’s MLB Weather Forecast
- Highest Delay Risk: Yankees at Cubs (Wrigley Field) with showers arriving near first pitch and thunderstorms likely during the game.
- Expected Postponements: None, though the Cubs game faces a realistic delay scenario.
- Most Significant Wind: South-southeast 5-15 mph at Wrigley Field, shifting south 15-20 mph with gusts to 25 mph as storms arrive.
- Primary Weather Story: A storm system moving through the Chicago area creates the only meaningful delay concern on an otherwise clean 15-game slate.
At-a-Glance Weather Table
| Matchup | First Pitch (ET) | Roof | Temp | Wind | Rain % | Delay Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yankees at Cubs | 2:20 p.m. | Open | 83°F | SSE 5-15 mph | 60% | HIGH |
| Pirates at Reds | 6:10 p.m. | Open | 88°F | Light SE | 0% | LOW |
| Phillies at Orioles | 7:05 p.m. | Open | 86°F | Calm | 0% | LOW |
| Cardinals at Blue Jays | 7:07 p.m. | Retractable | 82°F | Light | 0% | LOW |
| Diamondbacks at Guardians | 7:10 p.m. | Open | 80°F | Light/variable | 0% | LOW |
| White Sox at Rays | 7:10 p.m. | Fixed Dome | 72°F | N/A | 0% | LOW |
| Marlins at Mets | 7:10 p.m. | Open | 82°F | S 3-6 mph | 0% | LOW |
| Nationals at Braves | 7:15 p.m. | Open | 85°F | Calm | 0% | LOW |
| Rangers at Astros | 8:15 p.m. | Retractable | 88°F | S 10 mph | 0% | LOW |
| Royals at Rockies | 8:40 p.m. | Open | 78°F | NE 5-8 mph | 40% | MODERATE |
| Brewers at Angels | 9:38 p.m. | Open | 82°F | S 5 mph | 0% | LOW |
| Tigers at Athletics | 9:40 p.m. | Open | 85°F | SSE 3-7 mph | 0% | LOW |
| Giants at Padres | 9:45 p.m. | Open | 76°F | W 5 mph | 0% | LOW |
| Red Sox at Dodgers | 10:10 p.m. | Open | 82°F | SW 5 mph | 0% | LOW |
| Twins at Mariners | 10:10 p.m. | Retractable | 72°F | Calm | 0% | LOW |
Highest Rain Delay Risk Games Today
Yankees at Cubs (2:20 p.m. ET)
Delay Risk: HIGH
Showers become likely around 5 p.m. CT (the fourth or fifth inning of this afternoon start), with thunderstorms expected to follow during the evening hours. The NWS forecasts a 100% chance of precipitation tonight, with half to three-quarters of an inch of rain and gusts up to 25 mph. The pre-game window looks playable, but the forecast deteriorates quickly once storms arrive. A mid-game delay appears probable, and a multi-hour interruption is realistic if thunderstorms reach Wrigley Field during the later innings. Wrigley’s open-air exposure and the timing of this system make this the most vulnerable game on the slate.
Royals at Rockies (8:40 p.m. ET)
Delay Risk: MODERATE
Thunderstorms are possible before 10 p.m. MT at Coors Field, with a 40% chance of precipitation during the game window. Denver’s typical summer storm pattern often produces brief but intense cells that can interrupt play. The storms are expected to taper after 10 p.m., meaning a delayed start or short mid-game interruption is plausible rather than a prolonged delay. Forecast confidence is moderate given the scattered nature of Colorado’s summer convection.
Games Expected to Play Without Weather Issues
- Phillies at Orioles — Clear and calm with partly cloudy skies and no precipitation threat.
- Marlins at Mets — Dry evening with light southerly winds and partly cloudy conditions.
- Pirates at Reds — Warm and humid but no rain in the forecast through the evening hours.
DFS & Betting Weather Outlook
Yankees at Cubs
Delay uncertainty creates meaningful risk for DFS lineups and starting pitcher exposure. If storms arrive during the middle innings, shortened outings become likely regardless of performance. The south-southeast wind blowing toward the outfield at Wrigley could enhance fly-ball carry before the storms hit, creating a volatile offensive environment early. Bettors should monitor the radar closely; a delayed start could alter bullpen usage and affect total runs.
Royals at Rockies
Coors Field’s elevation already inflates offense, and warm temperatures in the upper 70s maintain that effect. The thunderstorm risk introduces slight uncertainty around game completion timing, but the primary DFS story remains the elevation-driven offensive environment. Light northeast winds should not meaningfully suppress or enhance carry beyond Coors Field’s natural tendencies.
FAQs
Which MLB games are most likely to be delayed today?
The Yankees at Cubs game at Wrigley Field carries the highest delay risk on July 31, with thunderstorms expected to move through Chicago during the later innings of the afternoon start. The Royals at Rockies game has a moderate chance of a brief interruption from Denver’s typical evening thunderstorm activity.
Are any MLB games expected to be postponed today?
No MLB games are expected to be postponed on July 31. While the Cubs game faces realistic delay concerns, the storm system is expected to move through rather than produce conditions that would force a postponement.