The New York Giants and Washington Commanders are set to meet Thursday night in an NFC East matchup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. But the teams may have to contend with more than their division rival: heavy rain and possible lightning are expected to be part of the evening.
Rain was already falling heavily at the stadium ahead of kickoff, with thunder and lightning also reported. Lightning could create a scheduling concern because the NFL may delay a game when lightning is detected within 10 miles of the stadium. As a result, a delay remains possible before kickoff or during the game if conditions require it.
## Giants-Commanders weather forecast
Rain is expected to continue throughout the contest. The heaviest precipitation is forecast for the first hour of the game, with conditions expected to ease somewhat later in the evening.
Winds are forecast to remain relatively steady, at about 10 to 12 miles per hour, with gusts not expected to exceed 14 miles per hour. Temperatures should stay near 50 degrees, so cold weather is not expected to be a major factor.
The most significant weather concern is therefore the rain, along with the possibility of lightning. Even if the rain becomes lighter as the game progresses, wet conditions could affect footing and ball handling from the start.
## How the weather could affect Giants-Commanders
Rain can make the football more difficult to grip, increasing the challenge of throwing and catching. It can also make the playing surface slick, which may affect players’ footing as they change direction, pursue the ball or attempt to make a tackle. Those conditions could contribute to dropped passes or fumbles, though the extent of any impact will depend on how the weather develops during the game.
The forecast may also encourage both teams to rely more on the running game. If passing becomes more difficult in the rain, the Giants could turn to running back Cam Skattebo, while Washington could give additional work to backs Austin Ekeler and Rachaad White. A greater emphasis on rushing would be a possible response to the conditions, not a certainty; each team’s approach will also depend on the game situation.
The wind forecast is less concerning for the passing and kicking games than the rain. With sustained winds around 10 to 12 miles per hour and gusts below 15 miles per hour, wind is not expected to be a major obstacle. Rain and ball security are likely to be more relevant factors.
Wet conditions can also make scoring more difficult, particularly if they lead to missed connections or turnovers. That could make a lower-scoring game more plausible than one played in dry conditions, although the weather alone cannot determine how many points either team will score.
## How to watch Giants vs. Commanders
– **Date:** Thursday, November 12, 2026
– **Kickoff:** 8:15 p.m. ET
– **National TV:** Prime Video
– **Local TV:** FOX 5 NY
– **National live stream:** Prime Video
– **Local live stream:** Fubo
Fans should be prepared for the possibility that the weather could affect the schedule. If lightning is detected within 10 miles of MetLife Stadium, the game could be delayed before it begins or interrupted after kickoff. Rain is expected to continue through the matchup, with the heaviest conditions forecast early and lighter rain possible later.
