While the British Open is back in Northern Ireland, the tournament is once again at risk of weather delays throughout the week.
In 2019, which was the last time Royal Portrush hosted the event, The Open experienced severe rain and wind throughout the weekend, making it difficult for the field. This year, the forecast calls for a chance to repeat, as rain and wind could impact the final major of the year.
When players first arrived for the week on Monday, they experienced lightning delays during practice rounds as storms rolled through the area. Anytime The Open returns to Northern Ireland, rain is always at risk of playing a role in the tournament.
Here’s how the weather is impacting this year’s British Open.
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Weather updates for Round 1 of the 2025 British Open
The forecast for Thursday calls for showers and thunderstorms, which could lead to lightning delays during the first round. Of the four days during the tournament, the forecast for the first day appears to be the most severe, while the other three are only at risk of rain and wind.
According to Weather.com, the rain is expected to come in the form of showers in the morning before the thunderstorms come in the evening. However, with this tournament taking place in Northern Ireland, all golfers must be prepared for rain and storms at all times.
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Royal Portrush weather forecast for 2025 British Open
Here is a look at the full forecast for this weekend in Northern Ireland, per Weather.com.
Thursday, July 17 — Round 1
The first round of the British Open calls for the worst weather, as there is an 80 percent chance of rain with thunderstorms likely. That could mean lightning delays during the round if those storms roll over Portrush during the afternoon. The rest of the forecast includes temperatures in the high-60s and lower-70s, with winds potentially reaching 20 MPH.
Friday, July 18 — Round 2
The rain from Thursday’s storms could stick around on Friday, as there is a 60 percent chance of rain without the risk of lightning. The temperature will once again be in the 60s, but the wind is expected to be less gusty than it was on Thursday’s round.
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Saturday, July 19 — Round 3
Similar to Friday, there is a 40 percent chance the rain will continue falling on Royal Portrush on Saturday, with the temperature holding steady in the 60s. However, the winds are not expected to play a significant factor during the third round, making this potentially the clearest weather day of the tournament.
Sunday, July 20 — Round 4
A new system is expected to roll through Royal Portrush on Sunday, as the odds of rain increase to 70 percent for the day, but there doesn’t appear to be a chance of lightning. While the temperature will remain in the 60s, the wind is expected to pick up from the previous two days.
