What to Expect for Weather at This Week's U.S. Open

Golf enthusiasts are eyeing the forecast just outside of Pittsburgh to determine what the weather will have in store for the upcoming U.S. Open. Here is a look at what to expect from Mother Nature for one of the premier golfing events in the world.

Weather Forecast for the Upcoming U.S. Open

The 125th U.S. Open kicks off on Thursday at Oakmont Country Club, located just outside of Pittsburgh. After a hot and dry start to the iconic tournament, the weather will begin to cool as the play progresses and finishes on Sunday. The chance of rain showers and thunderstorms could also wreak havoc during the back half of the action.

The field will take to the course on Thursday and be greeted with the hottest temperatures of the tournament. Thursday's forecast in Oakmont is calling for a high of about 87 degrees under mostly sunny skies. This is nearly 10 degrees higher than the historical average for this time of year in western Pennsylvania. Overnight lows will slide to about 63 degrees as more clouds build.

A cold front approaching the region will bring down the temperatures on Friday, translating to a high of about 83 degrees. The day will start with partly cloudy skies, however, cloudier conditions are in store for the afternoon and evening hours as the front becomes more entrenched over the region. While widespread moisture is not in the forecast, you cannot rule out the chance of a stray rain shower or thunderstorm.

The greatest chance of disruptions at the hands of the weather is expected on Saturday. A surge of moisture from the west-southwest will pair with the lingering cold front to raise the risk of rain and storms. Meteorologists are warning that localized heavy rain and dangerous lightning strikes could cause interruptions to play. Spectators will want to come equipped with rain gear. Saturday's highs will hover in the mid 70s while lows will fall to about 65 degrees.

Heading into the last day of the tournament, the forecast is calling for rain showers in the morning with a chance of storms in the afternoon as the play tries to wrap up. You can expect a high of about 77 degrees and lows that bounce around in the mid 60s. The weather does not improve leading into the new work week, meaning that organizers will want to conclude the tournament on time.

About the Oakmont Country Club and This Year's U.S. Open

Oakmont Country Club is home to the U.S. Open for the tenth time, setting a new record. You have to go back to 2016 to find the last time that Oakmont hosted this prestigious event. Dustin Johnson took home the championship this year.

Oakmont is known as a relentless course, with a scoring average of at least points over in every round. The course is best distinguished by its "church pews" bunker between holes three and four.

There are 156 players expected to tee off on Thursday for the four-day event. After two days of action, the field will be trimmed for the final two days of competition.

As has been the case all year, Scottie Scheffler is the easy favorite to walk away with a new trophy. While Scheffler is the clear frontrunner, there are four more golfers who have a legitimate shot at winning the title. Reigning champion and two-time U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau has a decent shot at coming away victorious.

DeChambeau's LIV Golf league mate Jon Rahm is also a contender to win the title. Although Rory McIlroy is not the frontrunner, he is still garnering attention on the heels of his Masters win. Lastly, Xander Schauffele should also not be counted out in his quest to add another majors title to his resume.

Only time will tell who will walk away as the U.S. Open champion this year. One thing that is clear is that the weather is likely to be a factor to some degree.

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