Formula 1 is set to enjoy a weekend of dry running at the Circuit of The Americas for the United States Grand Prix, according to the sport’s official meteorological service provider​, UBIMET.
The city of Austin, Texas was hit with torrential rain in 2015 that saw qualifying be postponed to race day and result in a downturn in attendance and fan spending, putting the future of the race at risk.
Efforts made by circuit officials ensured that Formula 1 would return to COTA in 2016, with fans being offered a ‘no-mud guarantee’ that will see them receive a refund for their tickets in the event of heavy rainfall on race day.
However, it appears that the weekend will remain dry according to UBIMET’s race preview sent out on Tuesday.
“Other than a modest chance for spotty showers early Thursday, the weather looks dry with record challenging warmth on Tuesday and Wednesday, but temperatures much more comfortable through the weekend,” UBIMET’s report reads.
“Look for record challenging heat under mostly sunny skies on Tuesday and Wednesday with highs ranging 32 to 35 degrees celsius, well above normal for mid-October. Winds will be rather light, mostly out of the south and southwest.
“On Thursday there will be a few showers around, but rainfall amounts should be light. Cooler temperatures are expected with highs between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius. Winds will be moderate, dimishing in the afternoon.
“From Friday through the weeked, expect partly to mostly sunny skies. Temperatures will remain near normal for practice and qualifying runs on Friday and Saturday with highs around 25 degrees celsius. Race day may see the start of a warming trend with highs peaking 28 degrees celsius.”