Weather across the U.S. has been unpredictable in January, but you can probably predict what conditions will be like for Sunday’s divisional round game between the Bills and Ravens in Buffalo: it’s going to be cold.
All three outdoor playoff games will be played in freezing or near-freezing temperatures on divisional weekend, though it’s fair to question whether that puts the Bills at a true advantage. The Ravens have experience playing in the cold as well, and they have no problem running the ball early and often to win games.
The potential for snow to become a factor could make Sunday’s blockbuster contest even more intriguing.
Here are the latest weather updates for Bills vs. Ravens and the forecast for kickoff.
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Bills vs. Ravens weather updates
This section will be updated leading up to kickoff.
Sunday, Jan. 19: While light snow showers are falling early in the day, clearer skies are expected around kickoff.
As of 11:30 a.m., there is a 16 percent chance of precipitation in Orchard Park, N.Y. between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET. While not likely, there is still a chance to see some snowfall during Sunday’s game.
Saturday, Jan. 18: All expectations are that the coldest game of the weekend will be played in Buffalo. Sunday’s high temperature is forecasted to be 21 degrees, and it figures to be under 20 when the game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET.
The odds of a snow game aren’t quite as strong, but that possibility is still on the table. While there is only a 20 percent chance of snow during the day, according to the National Weather Service, that chance increases to 50 percent at night.
The snow forecast will become clearer as kickoff approaches, but significant snowfall doesn’t seem to be in the cards even if Highmark Stadium does see a few flakes.
MORE: Full list of coldest games in NFL history
Bills vs. Ravens forecast
- Buffalo high temperature: 21 degrees
- Buffalo low temperature: 10 degrees
- Chance of snow: 20-50%
The National Weather Service forecasts a high temperature of 21 and a 20 percent chance of snow in Buffalo on Sunday, with the snow potential increasing to 50 percent at night. Expect the temperature to dip below 20 degrees by kickoff.
The Bills have plenty of experience playing in tough conditions, but Sunday is fully expected to be the coldest game of Lamar Jackson’s career. The Ravens star has played in the cold many times, including last week against the Steelers, but this bitter cold could be an entirely new challenge for him.
Jackson insisted earlier in the week that he wouldn’t wear gloves during the game, telling reporters, “I tried it in practice. It was horrible.”
Jackson said he has to “lock in” in the cold, and, despite practicing indoors, the Ravens have worked to to adjust to the weather by leaving all of the doors open and even shutting off the pipes in their facility.
How cold is it in Buffalo?
Temperatures are expected to dip below 20 degrees by kickoff in Buffalo on Sunday.
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