It’s an ice hockey game facing a rain delay.
Stormy clouds are threatening the Washington Capitals first shot at the nationally-televised “Winter Classic,” the only NHL ice hockey game played outdoors each New Year’s day.
Weather reports indicate an 80 percent chance of rain and a temperature high of 48 degrees Fahrenheit, well above freezing.
Like a “white Christmas,” snow helped make the first Winter Classic something special.
Rain, on the other hand, would be a disaster. Excess water accumulating on the ice surface could puddle, stopping the puck from moving.
Equipment crews are scrambling to deal with the weather, and the game might even be delayed several hours to wait out the storm.
The game is at the Heinz Field where the Pittsburgh Steelers normally play. Technicians already had some difficulty constructing the ice rink because of the stadium’s notorious wind patterns.
The Caps and superstar captain Alex Ovechkin face the Penguins and center Sidney Crosby.
Ed. note: this article has been corrected regarding the name of the stadium where the game will be played.