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MLB Weather Today (August 21): Forecast, Rain and Wind for All 15 Games

MLB Weather Today (August 21): Forecast, Rain and Wind for All 15 Games

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By: DK Network AI

Looking for today’s MLB weather forecast? Below you’ll find every game on Friday’s 15-game slate, its weather risk, and fantasy baseball and sports betting impacts worth monitoring before first pitch.


Today’s MLB Weather Forecast

  • Highest Weather Risk: Mets at White Sox in Chicago, where thunderstorms are expected during the game window.
  • Expected Postponements: None anticipated, though the Chicago game warrants close monitoring.
  • Most Significant Wind: West wind 10 mph gusting to 15 mph at Guaranteed Rate Field during approaching storms.
  • Primary Weather Story: A cold front moving through the Great Lakes brings thunderstorm potential to Chicago and Milwaukee, while the rest of the slate plays under generally favorable conditions.

At-a-Glance Weather Table

MatchupFirst Pitch (ET)Weather RiskRain %WindTempRoof
Braves at Brewers4:10 p.m.LOW30%SW 5-10 mph78Retractable
Cardinals at Phillies6:40 p.m.LOW0%SE 5 mph80Open
Blue Jays at Yankees7:05 p.m.LOW0%NE 6-9 mph77Open
Giants at Red Sox7:10 p.m.LOW10%N 6-8 mph72Open
Nationals at Marlins7:10 p.m.LOW30%S 5-9 mph87Retractable
Rays at Orioles7:15 p.m.LOW0%Calm81Open
Mets at White Sox7:40 p.m.MODERATE50%W 10 mph, gusts 1575Open
Tigers at Royals8:10 p.m.LOW30%Light/variable85Open
Athletics at Astros8:10 p.m.LOW0%75Retractable
Angels at Rangers8:15 p.m.LOW0%78Retractable
Guardians at Rockies8:40 p.m.LOW0%NNW 5-9 mph92Open
Reds at Diamondbacks9:40 p.m.LOW0%95Retractable
Twins at Padres9:40 p.m.LOW0%SW 5 mph76Open
Pirates at Dodgers10:10 p.m.LOW0%SW 5-10 mph80Open
Cubs at Mariners10:10 p.m.LOW0%Calm72Retractable

MLB Games to Monitor for Weather

Mets at White Sox (7:40 p.m. ET)

A cold front approaching from the west brings a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms to Chicago, primarily before 1 a.m. ET. The Storm Prediction Center has placed southern Wisconsin through northern and central Illinois under a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms, with threats including damaging winds, hail, and a brief tornado risk.

The thunderstorm window aligns with the scheduled game time, making an interruption plausible. However, the frontal passage should push storms through relatively quickly. If storms arrive early and clear before the middle innings, the game could resume without extended disruption.

Forecast confidence is moderate. Storm timing will determine whether this game experiences a meaningful interruption or plays through scattered activity.

Weather Timeline

  • 6:00-7:00 p.m. — Thunderstorms develop west of the Chicago metro as the front advances.
  • 7:30-9:00 p.m. — Highest probability window; storms move through the South Side.
  • 9:30-10:00 p.m. — Front clears eastward; conditions improve with west wind behind the system.
  • After 10:00 p.m. — Mostly cloudy and cooling, storms departing.

Games Expected to Play in Favorable Weather

  • Cardinals at Phillies — Clear skies and light winds under increasing clouds; no precipitation expected.
  • Blue Jays at Yankees — Calm, pleasant evening with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the upper 70s.
  • Rays at Orioles — Mostly sunny transitioning to increasing clouds; calm winds and no rain threat through the game.

DFS and Betting Weather Notes

Mets at White Sox

The thunderstorm threat creates meaningful uncertainty for DFS lineups and betting strategy. A weather interruption could disrupt pitching rhythms, shorten outings, and introduce bullpen volatility. DFS players should consider reduced exposure to this game’s starters, particularly in cash lineups where predictability matters. Bettors may want to monitor radar closer to first pitch before committing to totals or first-five-inning lines.

Guardians at Rockies

Extreme heat in Denver (high near 99) combined with the elevation at Coors Field could enhance ball carry and favor an offensive environment. Dry air at altitude improves fly-ball distance, and warm temperatures add a modest boost. Conditions slightly favor hitters and power-oriented DFS stacks, though Coors Field’s reputation already prices much of this into the market.

Tigers at Royals

A 30% chance of isolated thunderstorms lingers over Kansas City before 11 p.m. CT, though rainfall amounts should remain light. The warm, humid evening (dewpoint 69) with mid-80s temperatures could create a slightly hitter-friendly environment at Kauffman Stadium. The weather risk is low enough that DFS lineups should not require significant adjustment, but the offensive environment is worth noting for stacking decisions.


FAQs

How does wind affect MLB betting totals?

Strong outward winds at open-air stadiums can improve home-run carry and increase expected run scoring, which may push totals higher. Conversely, inbound winds suppress fly-ball distance and can create pitcher-friendly environments. The effect varies significantly by ballpark dimensions, with stadiums like Wrigley Field and Coors Field showing the most wind sensitivity.

What MLB stadiums have retractable roofs?

Six MLB stadiums currently feature retractable roofs: American Family Field (Milwaukee), Chase Field (Arizona), Daikin Park (Houston), Globe Life Field (Texas), loanDepot Park (Miami), Rogers Centre (Toronto), and T-Mobile Park (Seattle). When the roof closes, weather conditions have minimal impact on gameplay, making these games safer selections during uncertain weather days.

How does heat affect home runs in baseball?

Warm air is less dense than cool air, which allows baseballs to travel farther on well-struck fly balls. The effect is modest but measurable, particularly at higher elevations where air density is already reduced. Games played in temperatures above 90 degrees at open-air stadiums may see slightly enhanced offensive production, especially when combined with favorable wind conditions.

Do MLB games get postponed for thunderstorms?

Thunderstorms are the most common cause of MLB weather interruptions and postponements. Unlike light rain, which teams often play through, lightning forces a mandatory stoppage for player safety. Games are more likely to experience extended interruptions when thunderstorms are widespread and slow-moving rather than isolated and fast-moving. Teams typically wait up to two hours before considering a postponement.


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