Tropical storm set to influence Penn State’s White Out weather. Do you need a poncho?

If you’re heading to Beaver Stadium for Penn State football’s beloved White Out game this weekend, you might need to pack a poncho.

The forecast for the Nittany Lions’ evening matchup against the University of Iowa looks a bit gloomy with wind and rain headed Happy Valley’s way. Much of the inclement weather is a product of a system that, by this Friday afternoon, could become Tropical Storm Ophelia as it runs up the East Coast this weekend.

Here’s what you need to know about the forecast for Penn State’s White Out game.

What’s the weather outlook for Beaver Stadium against Iowa?

AccuWeather’s forecast as of noon Friday predicts a cool, rainy Saturday for Penn State’s University Park campus.

The area can expect at least an 80% chance of rain practically all day with precipitation totaling about 0.25 inches in the day and about 0.38 inches slated for the evening, AccuWeather reports. Sustained winds are expected to hover around 11 mph, though some gusts could climb up near 30 mph.

“If you had to summarize this weekend’s weather, you’d probably use three words: damp, raw and chilly,” said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dave Dombek. “It won’t be super windy, but it might be just enough to affect the kicking and passing game. Certainly, it’s enough to make it feel quite raw outside if you’re in the stands Saturday night.”

Dombek noted AccuWeather’s models show there’s a chance Saturday’s projected rain lets up around Penn State’s 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Regardless, fans should prepare for at least some form of rain.

“It is possible that this first batch of wet weather that comes into the area on Saturday, the bulk of it might be over with by the time the game gets underway,” Dombek said Friday afternoon. “That is still up for grabs, and it’s not definite. Even if that were to happen, we still expect it to be damp with at least some drizzle during the game. At the very, very least, in the best-case scenario, it’s just cloudy, damp, raw and chilly with some intermittent drizzle.”

This weekend’s forecast is largely a product of a tropical development moving its way up the East Coast, Dombek noted. Even though the storm is not projected to move directly in central Pennsylvana’s direction, its nearby presence will be enough to influence Centre County’s weekend forecast.

“This tropical rainstorm along the eastern seaboard, here in central Pennsylvania, we’re kind of on the fringe of it. We’re on the edge of its influence,” Dombek said. “We’re certainly not expecting anything major in terms of wind or flooding rains that other parts of the Mid-Atlantic might get. We’re on the edge of this slow-moving storm, but we’re still close enough to be influenced by it somewhat.”

Thunderstorms are not a major factor in Saturday’s forecast, according to AccuWeather. That’s good news for Penn State fans, as any lightning in the immediate area would require officials to suspend the game until the radar clears.

Fans heading to the game might need to think about layering up in their white Penn State gear. Saturday’s high temperature will reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but temperatures are expected to fall into the low 50s by kickoff. AccuWeather’s measure of the “real feel” in the air projects an even cooler atmosphere for the game, potentially into the mid-40s.

“Definitely, layers are important,” Dombek said. “Layers are better than just one big coat. Anything that’s waterproof — shoes and hats, especially — might help keep you warm and dry.”

Rain is expected to continue Sunday with accumulations reaching nearly a full inch, AccuWeather forecasts. Winds will remain around 9 mph, though significantly stronger gusts are not expected.

Can I bring umbrellas into Beaver Stadium?

Fans should note umbrellas are among the many items prohibited in Beaver Stadium, according to Penn State’s policies.

If you’re heading to the game, you might opt for a rain jacket or poncho. Just make sure you’re still wearing white to take part in Penn State’s full-stadium White Out tradition.

Penn State vs. Iowa predictions: How will the Nittany Lions handle an elite defense?

Penn State-Iowa broadcast info

No. 7-ranked Penn State will face No. 24 Iowa at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions enter the matchup after defeating Illinois 30-13 on the road, while Iowa beat Western Michigan 41-10.

CBS will televise the showdown between the two 3-0 Big Ten rivals. Paramount+ will carry an online stream for its subscribers.

Local radio coverage is available through 99.5 FM, 103.7 FM and 1450 AM. Digital streams are offered through SiriusXM, plus a university-run channel through Penn State’s LionVision.