The Carolina Panthers have their biggest game in years Saturday, when the LA Rams visit Charlotte for a Wild Card Playoff Game. Kickoff at Bank of America Stadium comes at 4:30 p.m.

While those planning to watch from home stay warm and dry, fans in Charlotte could see some decent rain from a system that moves in by the second half.

The greater weather factor for players and fans will be the wind. During the game, Charlotte could have gusts up to about 35mph or so, and Saturday Charlotte does have a level one risk for severe storms.

Timing out rain and wind for Saturday’s Panthers game

Saturday should start out mostly sunny and dry across North Carolina. Our rain chances in the morning are very low for both Raleigh and Charlotte. 

There’s a better chance for some rain and storms across western North Carolina and over in the mountains.

Once we get to about 1 p.m. and people are starting to tailgate, or headed out for playoff-watching parties, some scattered showers will be possible.

By 3 p.m., some scattered are showers possible in Charlotte and we could be seeing a few showers in Raleigh as well. None of that rain will be really widespread.

While the game doesn’t start until 4:30 p.m., tailgaters should be aware of the building winds. We’ll have some gusts up to about 35 mph, which could topple tents or tables, and Charlotte could hear an isolated rumble of thunder. 

After kickoff, things start to settle down, so we might see a little bit of a break for at least part of the game in Charlotte. Around the Triangle area around 4:30 p.m., we could have a stray shower or two, but most fans will be indoors at that point.

As we head towards 7 p.m., in the tail end of the second half, scattered showers pick up again across the Charlotte area. There could be an isolated rumble of thunder.

Of course, a lightning could force a delay, but this looks to be mainly rain so that is unlikely. 

After the game, when fans hit the road to celebrate, commiserate or simply drive home, those traveling between Charlotte and the Triangle could see continued scattered showers, and winds stay on the gusty side. 

The bottom line

Here’s the bottom line for Saturday:

At 4:30 in the afternoon for the game, rain is certainly possible. Gusts of wind could reach up to 35 mph.

In Raleigh, it will be warm — 73 degrees — with about a 30% chance for rain, and it’ll be breezy.