What can NFL’s fans expect from the weather in Week 16 on Christmas Eve?

As is the case with any sport that’s played at this time of the year, the weather can be an issue. While that’s not necessarily news to anyone, it doesn’t diminish the idea that conditions can pose a real problem for teams and especially in the NFL.

NFL’s Christmas Eve slate faces less than ideal weather

With the business end of the NFL regular season coming to a close and the playoff picture starting to become clearer, there is also the harsh reality of the winter and what it brings with it nationwide. Though many will count their lucky stars where snow specifically is concerned - it’s not heavily forecasted - there will be little respite, with temperatures expected to descend and winds expected to go up. In truth, both will have a major effect on the 11 games that are scheduled for Christmas Eve.

To be clear, this year’s Christmas is going to be one of the coldest on record in the last few decades. The ‘good news’ comes courtesy of a polar vortex, which is described as a large area of low-pressure cold air that surrounds the poles of the planet. With that front of air now pushing towards the equator from either pole, the cold fronts that have recently been experienced are the end result. Needless to say, they are about to get worse for the festive season, with highs expected to remain below freezing temperatures. From the center of the country, to the Midwest and all the way to the Northeast, folks can expect it to be frigid on Thursday and Friday. As for Saturday when the majority of NFL games are due to play, the thermometer won’t look any better. Here’s a look at the slate of games and the conditions that can be expected: