Super Bowl 2014 Weather Forecast & Predictions: Chance of Precipitation?
The Super Bowl is usually played in controlled conditions to remove all possible interferences from the game, since there is so much on the line for both teams. In the week leading up to the Super Bowl, forecasts called for potential snow showers and extremely frigid weather. The latest reports say that the temperature at Metlife stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey should be relatively mild and that precipitation won't be a huge factor.
Temperature at kickoff is predicted to be 42 degrees Fahrenheit with winds of 10-15 miles per hour. The skies are cloudy with a chance of precipitation. There were talks that the NFL would have to move the date of the game because the week prior had seen the area hit with a big snow storm. The chance of rain is fifty percent but Weather.com says it would be a drizzle, if it happens at all, and not a downpour.
Moderate weather conditions were considered important to the impartiality of the game because Peyton Manning, having come off neck surgery this season, has struggled in poor weather since he was used to having a dome while with the Indianapolis Colts. Heavy snow or rain showers might have shifted the advantage in Seattle's favor.
Wind was also expected to be an issue for the teams' respective passing games, which is the strongest suit of Denver's offense. However, the predicted winds are said to be equivalent to what can be encountered in Denver and Seattle, so the quarterbacks shouldn't be facing anything new.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell received criticism for allowing the biggest football game of the year to take place in New Jersey amidst this year's winter storm in the northeast, contributing record low temperatures and snowfall. The NFL was lucky this time because the game is taking place during a break in the bad weather.