Early forecast for AFC Championship Game shows weather could be a nuisance

What’s the forecast for the AFC Championship Game? It’s a Counting Crows song.

OK, I don’t expect everyone to know the band, but their debut album included the song, “Raining in Baltimore.”

And that’s what the Chiefs could encounter when they take on the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium.

It also should be the warmest AFC Championship Game the Chiefs have played in since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback. Here were the kickoff temperature for the past five title games, all of which were at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Patriots at Chiefs, Jan. 20, 2019: 19 degrees

Titans at Chiefs, Jan. 19, 2020: 17 degrees

Bills at Chiefs, Jan. 24, 2021: 40 degrees

Bengals at Chiefs, Jan. 30, 2022: 41 degrees

Bengals at Chiefs, Jan. 29, 2023: 22 degrees

This is what forecasters are predicting for this Sunday’s game.

Ava Marie of WBAL-TV said there could be some rain during the game.

“So Saturday night to Sunday, another round of rain but the timing could work out for the Ravens game if the steadier rain moves out, there may just be a few lingering showers during the game time,” Marie said on air.

Her forecast for Sunday shows temperatures in the mid-40s with a 40% chance of rain.

“There’s at least a few showers possible during the game and it’s going to turn breezy so you’ll want some warm layers,” Marie said.

Stevie Daniels of WMAR-TV also sees the potential of rain for the game.

“Looking cooler for the Ravens game with a high of 48 degrees with some more widespread rain showers,” Daniel said on air.

Meg McNamara of WJZ-TV said on air: “Our game day forecast, you will have to plan your purple because we will see on and off showers.”

The National Weather Service forecast for Sunday: “Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 60%.”

The forecast from Weather.com is similar: “Cloudy with showers. High 49F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.”