Sport Daytona 500 weather updates: Will rain in Sunday forecast delay NASCAR's 2021 race?

It just wouldn't be a NASCAR event without the threat of a rain delay. Not even the first point-paying race of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series — the Daytona 500 — is immune.

Daytona Beach, Fla., was spared from any inclement weather on Tuesday as Kyle Busch won a thrilling Clash at Daytona. Thursday's Daytona Duels, however, were less lucky; rain delayed the second qualifying race of the 500, otherwise known as the Daytona Duels.

NASCAR will likely hope for the former weather on Sunday, but early indications suggest the Daytona 500 will have at least some delays. The length of the delay depends significantly on the amount of rainfall and how quickly the track can be dried.

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Here's everything you need to know about the weather forecast for the Daytona 500, including chance of rain, high and low temperatures and wind speed for both Sunday afternoon and night:

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Daytona 500 weather updates

11:40 a.m. - Here's the latest radar, with blue skies currently over Daytona and crews working to dry the track.

Just a little over three hours from invocation at 2:46p ET. Occasional drizzle but nothing heavy over last couple hours. Prerace show on now on FS1 and then to FOX at 1pm ET. ⁦@NASCARONFOX⁩ pic.twitter.com/qjBlS28yij

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 14, 2021

A lot of blue sky as track drying continues. Prerace ceremonies in a little more than two hours and green flag 3:05p ET. Prerace show on FS1 now and moves to FOX at 1p ET. pic.twitter.com/piQyst6ptL

When is Daytona 500 in 2021? Date, start time, TV schedule for race & qualifying

All you need to know to watch the 63rd running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 14 and the events leading up to the race.This year's event will be much different than the 2020 version because of the ongoing effects of COVID-19. For one, race attendance at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., will be limited to about 30,000 socially distanced spectators. For another, the track schedule for Speedweeks has been condensed to six days, down from nine days in 2020, and fewer events will be held.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 14, 2021

10 a.m. - The latest forecast suggests delays, but the outlook to finish the race today is optimistic.

Working with @RaceWeather - highest chc. showers/T’Storms between 2p-6p w/ mostly sct’d precip. w/ likely breaks. Odds of racing 75% DON’T think a wash out but poss. delays &. possibly finishing up in the evening as rain chances greatly diminish after 6pm EST #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/S4S5KF3pHz

— Brian Neudorff (@NASCAR_WXMAN) February 14, 2021

9:30 a.m. - The Daytona 500 is still on schedule for its 3 p.m. ET start time, pending significant rain in the forecast for Daytona International Speedway throughout the morning and afternoon.

Seven hours away until engines are fired so can't tell you what is going to happen. If it is like this week, showers are scattered -- so just depends where they hit-miss. I'm cautiously optimistic race gets in because have seen windows to dry track and race all week. https://t.co/gBmOBlAVMD

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— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 14, 2021

Daytona 500 weather forecast

National Weather Service

• Chance of rain (Sunday): 80 percent
• Chance of rain (Sunday night): 80 percent
• High temperature: Near 77
• Low temperature: Around 64

Sunday's forecast as of Feb. 14: "Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 77. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Tonight, showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 11pm. Low around 64. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms."

Feb. 12: "Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 75. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent." That's followed by a lower, albeit not insignificant chance of rain that night: "A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph."

What time does the Daytona 500 start today? TV channel, green flag time for 2021 NASCAR opener

Here is everything you need to know to watch the 2021 Daytona 500, including the green flag time, the TV channel and live stream info. MORE: Watch the Daytona 500 live with fuboTV (7-day free trial) What time does the Daytona 500 start today? Start time: 2:30 p.m. ET The Daytona 500 broadcast will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 14, but the race itself may not start until closer to 3 p.m. ET. It will be held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. How long is the Daytona 500? The Daytona 500 is, of course, a 500-mile race, and it is scheduled for 200 laps.

The Weather Channel

• Chance of rain (Sunday): 80 percent
• Chance of rain (Sunday night): 70 percent
• Winds: 5-10 mph
• High temperature: 76
• Low temperature: 65

Sunday's forecast as of Feb. 14: "Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. Heavy downpours are possible. A few storms may be severe. High 77F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Mostly cloudy skies. Scattered thunderstorms this evening. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%."

Feb. 12: The Weather Channel as a similar forecast as the National Weather Service: high chance of rain in the afternoon, followed by a less — but still notable — chance in the evening.

"Scattered thunderstorms in the morning becoming more widespread in the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76. Winds South at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent." Following that, "scattered thunderstorms during the evening, then partly cloudy overnight. Low near 65. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40 percent."